Indian painting has a rich and ancient history, intertwined with Shastra-based principles. The art evolved from diverse regional styles and influences but remained consistent due to these foundational principles. The paintings often portrayed Shastri themes from Puranas and Itihasas, using symbols and Mudras (gestures) to communicate concepts. The focus was primarily on the Divine and Universal, leading to less emphasis on portraiture or depiction of rulers. Indian paintings are known for their central figure, surrounded by carefully orchestrated elements, creating a harmonious totality.
Authoritative texts guided the artistry in Indian painting, sculpting, carving, and architecture. These texts provided the framework for the artists, who then infused their creativity and imagination to create profound and spiritually imbued artworks. One of them is Chitrasutra, a significant chapter within the sacred Hindu scriptures called the Vishnudharmottara Purana, which belongs to the genre of Upapuranas. Vishnudharmottara Purana is composed in ancient Sanskrit and is one of the oldest surviving treatises on the art of painting in India.
It provides a comprehensive guide to creating paintings and statues, encompassing various aspects of the artistic process. The term “Chitra” denotes the art of painting, sketching, and any form of visual representation. Its earliest mention can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism and Pali texts of Buddhism.
The Chitrasutra chapter of Vishnudharmottara Purana can be found in various manuscripts throughout India and Nepal. These manuscripts were recorded in different scripts, including Devanagari, Sharada, Bengali, and Newari. Scholars think that this compilation was completed around the 5th or 6th century CE, making it an extremely valuable source of information for the history of Indian painting arts.
Chitrasutra In Simple Words
Chitrasutra is a Sanskrit word meaning “the rules of painting” (where “Chitra” stands for painting and “Sutr” for rules. It is a fascinating ancient art form from India that’s all about the rules of painting. It’s like a guidebook for artists, telling them how to create beautiful visual masterpieces. In Chitrasutra, they talk about measuring and proportioning different body parts and using colors, specific features, symbols, and lucky signs when painting divine beings. And it’s not just about gods and goddesses – they cover how to paint all sorts of living creatures too. It’s a real treasure trove of knowledge for artists!