08/11/2025
‘Mysore painting’, an important form of classical South Indian painting style was nurtured by the
rulers of Mysore. The distinct school of Mysore paintings evolved during the Vijayanagar empire,
when literature, art and architecture flourished. Migration of artists to Srirangapatna and then to
Mysore, after the fall of the Vijayanagar kingdom, led them to absorb local artistic traditions to evolve
into the Mysore school. Mysore paintings are known for their elegance, muted colours and details,
often mistaken as Thanjavur because of similarities in subject, composition and iconography.
‘Ram Mandira’ is a tradition in Mysore of shrines open to the public in private homes, dedicated to
the worship of Rama, with musical and other offerings.
This presentation will explore the nuances of unique Mysore paintings, their subjects, talented artists,
devout patrons and the rich legacy of Rama Mandiras in Mysore.
