Rajput miniature painting, developed in the 17th century, is still practiced in modern-day Rajasthan. The panel shall look at the continuity of this tradition and discuss the changes that occurred in terms of theme, patronage, viewership, and painting techniques.

About the Speakers

Mrs Mamta Singhania did her BS from the University of Massachusetts, USA, and Post Graduate Diploma in International Management (MBA) from IMI, New Delhi. In 2003, Mrs Singhania independently founded Anant Art Gallery with the aim of promoting contemporary art. Having a deep interest in indigenous crafts, particularly of Rajput miniature which is one of the pioneer seats of miniature paintings, she has worked with some miniature artists from Rajasthan as well. Anant Art has been the pioneering gallery in India for its emphasis on promoting and exhibiting contemporary miniature artists.

Dr Preeti Bahadur is an art historian based in Delhi. Preeti has worked on music history, miniature paintings, and aesthetics, and seeks connections across disciplines. She has taught art history at several institutes in Delhi and published papers on art history and contemporary art. Her areas of expertise include curation as also film and museum-based collaborative projects. She was also Head of the Chhattisgarh Documentation Project at Sahapedia. 

R. Vijay is a Rajasthani miniaturist. He is the grandnephew of historic Rajasthani painter Ramgopal Vijayvargiya. He was tutored by traditional miniaturists Sukdev Singh Sisodiya and Laxmi Narayan Sikaligar, and is best known for his collaborative work with American artist Waswo X Waswo. 

Dr. Varunika Saraf is an artist and academic based in Hyderabad. Saraf is the recipient of prestigious grants such as the Amol Vadehra Art Grant, Summer Research Fellowship at Getty Research Institute, CWIT Visiting Fellowship at the Centre of South Asian Studies in Cambridge, the NTICVA Fellowship, and a visiting fellowship at the Kunsthistorisches Institut, Florence.