The Bikaner style of painting is a Rajasthani style of painting developed in the city of Bikaner. It emergered in medieval India and was founded by Prince Rao Bika in 1488.
Description
The subjects painted often originate from Indian mythology. Elephant trunks are frequently featured. Jain, Buddhist, Mughal, Rajput, and Deccan miniatures have been found using the Bikaner style. Raja Rai Singh was particularly influenced by Mughal art. Some notable examples of this school of art were painted during reigns of Rai Singh, Karan Singh and Anup Singh. They painted scenes from the Ragmala, Bhagavata Purana, and Rasa lila.
What distinguishes the Bikaner style of painting from other Rajasthani styles of painting are finer lines and a more reserved range of colors than what are typically present in Mughal artwork. Shahjahan employed patrons of this school of art such as Karan Singh. Ali Raza painted paintings of Lakshmi Narayana and a portrait of Karan Singh. Another famous painter was Rukh-ud-din who used Deccan art elements. Rukh-ud-din used the technique of painting fountains and court scenes using a nature-based background. Later Bikaneri art focused on Bikaner’s architecture such as havelis in the city. Bikaneri artists displayed their work outside royal courts giving businessmen and landlords the chance to appreciate this style of art.