Bundi : The City of Painted Walls

"The murals of Ajanta and Bagh, the miniatures of Moghuls and Rajputs, and the paintings from the hilly tracts of Himachal have been studied in all length and breadth by several scholars. Besides, the vast Sanskrit Literature of classic India and a host of Shilpa texts present an interesting and vital account of the wall paintings. The tradition of embellishing the walls with genre and religious themes never weakened but continously developed in such a manner that between 17th & 19th centuries, particularly in Rajputana Kingdoms and Kinglets, hardly a wall, may be palace of haveli, or a temple, is left undecorated.

"Bundi the pivotal centre of Haroti region, without any exception, has had a long and chequered history of wall paintings. But curiously enough, the walls at Bundi, did not come to the notice of any art historian so far. In this book an attempt has been made for the first time to give a detailed account of these murals and their place in the history of Indian painting. After analysing the specimens, mainly from Badalmahal, Chhatarmahal and Chitrashala, and from Bhatt Maharaj Ki haveli in Bundi town, and also from fort-walls of Indergarh and Dugari thikanas. Dr. Agarawala concludes that a distincitive school of wall paintings flourished in Bundi, which during the region of Maharao Bishen Singh (1773-1821) reached at its zenith. Inspite of Mewari and Mughal influences, the paintings on Bundi walls drew their main strength from the genius of the place.

"To convey a sense of their richness and subtlety, Dr. Agarawala offers a close analysis of the style and technique of these wall paintings and maintains that such an analysis is far more rewarding in art criticism than an analsis based on historical and social accounts. Nevertheless, the variety of the themes has also been examined.

"The book first of its kind, bringing to light the existence of a school of wall paintings in this region, is well illustrated with line-drawings and numerous photographs." (jacket)

[R.A. Agarawala also wrote Marwar Murals, Art and Architecture of Jaisalmer and Wall Paintings from Central India].