Indian Art Series: The Art of Bikaner

Author: Mahaveer Swami
Publisher: Niyogi Books
(Pp 112, ISBN 978 93 83098 73 6, Rs 1,000)

The Art of Bikaner features about sixty paintings mostly on handmade paper and some on silk. Executed in Bikaner style, the works have clearly been impacted by Mughal traditions. The artist’s observations during his sojourns to Khumbh or at Ganga Sagar Mela or at the famous holy Dargah shrine at Ajmer and the sketches that were made on site were developed into paintings later in the studio. The repertoire also encompasses twentyfour distinct avatars or godly incarnations based on studies of Bhagwat Puran. The book brings alive the richness in the art tradition of Bikaner and offers a journey through an India full of mystery and spirituality through intricately delineated paintings.