Art and Culture (Forts, Temples, Festivals)

Chapter Summary

Rajasthan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including literature, architecture, paintings, and fairs. The culture reflects a blend of Rajput and Mughal traditions, known as a "Composite Culture".

Literature

• Sanskrit: Key works include Prithviraj Vijay by Jayanak and Harikeli Natak by Vigraharaj IV. Rana Kumbha wrote texts like Sangeet Raj.
• Rajasthani: Divided into Jain, Charan, Saint, and Folk styles.
  • Chand Bardai: Wrote Prithviraj Raso.
  • Suryamal Misran: State poet of Bundi, wrote Vansh Bhaskar and Vir Satsai.
  • Prithviraj Rathore: Wrote Veli Krisan Rukmani Ri (Bikaner).
  • Muhnot Nainsi: Wrote Nainsi Ri Khyat.

Architecture

Painting Styles (Chitrakala)

• Mewar Style: Oldest style. Red-yellow colors. Painters: Sahibdin, Manohar.
• Kishangarh Style: Famous for Bani-Thani (Indian Monalisa) painted by Nihal Chand under patron Nagari Das.
• Bundi Style: Depiction of animals and birds.
• Kota Style: Depiction of hunting scenes.
• Jaipur Style: Maximum Mughal influence.

Folk Arts & Festivals

• Fairs: Pushkar (Ajmer), Urs (Ajmer), Ramdevra (Runicha), Tejaji (Parbatsar).
• Festivals: Gangaur (Worship of Isar-Gauri) and Teej (famous in Jaipur).
• Folk Drama: Gavri (Bhil tribe), Rammat (Bikaner/Jaisalmer), Khyal (Kuchamani/Shekhawati).
• Folk Dance: Ghoomar (State dance), Kalbeliya (Snake charmer community), Gair (Holi), Terahtali (Ramdevra fair).
• Phad: Scroll painting on cloth (e.g., Pabuji ki Phad). Famous center: Shahpura.