India has one of the finest traditions of painting of the world, coming from ancient times. Ancient and exquisite Indian murals are the foundations of the tradition of later manuscript paintings and Indian miniatures.

This early tradition is not generally known, as many of these paintings are hidden in dark recesses in ancient temples and caves. These had not been clearly photographed or sufficiently represented to the world before. It was generally believed that India did not have a continuous tradition of painting, which came from ancient times. Even the Ajanta murals, which were known, were considered as a flash in the pan, as many were not aware of other paintings of the centuries after Ajanta. The study and teaching of the styles of Indian paintings has been generally taken up from the medieval period onwards.

Behl’s photography of the early Indian murals has placed the Indian tradition of paintings in a new perspective. This illustrated lecture has been delivered at a host of prestigious universities and museums around the world and has clearly established the fact of the continuous tradition of painting, since ancient times, in India. The murals of India have also been established as one of the greatest and most sublime traditions of the art of the world.

This ancient art of India is valuable to mankind today as it is deeply rooted in the philosophic vision of this land; a vision which takes us far from the confusion and clamour of the material world, to a peaceful sanctuary, where we may look within. An inner vision which opens our minds and hearts to a great treasure, to the bliss and the peace of the spirit.