Trends in Indian Painting

Ancient | Medieval | Modern

Trends in Indian Painting Book Cover

Author: Manohar Kaul

Publisher: Dhoomimal Ramchand, 8-A Connaught Place, New Delhi- India

Printed by: Brahma Datta at Cresent Printing Works, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Edition: First Edition, July 1961

Pages: The book includes xv pages of preliminary material (in Roman numerals), followed by 232 pages of main content.

Plates: 58 tipped-in colour plates (many full-page), 76 tipped-in black and white plates

Binding: Hardbound

Size: 13 x 10 inch (32.5 x 25.3 cm)

Trends in Indian Painting: Ancient, Medieval, Modern is a landmark volume authored by Manohar Kaul, tracing the evolution of Indian visual culture through its key historical phases. This extensively illustrated book examines classical, court, religious, and folk traditions, and offers nuanced commentary on the stylistic and thematic transformations across centuries.

With a scholar’s insight and an artist’s eye, Kaul explores the philosophical foundations of Indian aesthetics and their reflection in painted forms — from Ajanta to Mughal miniatures, from Pahari and Rajasthani styles to emerging modernist voices of the 20th century.

Richly supported by 134 tipped-in plates in colour and black & white, the book offers a visual and critical survey intended for students, artists, historians, and all lovers of Indian art. It remains a significant reference work for understanding the complex tapestry of India’s painting traditions.