Authors:

Pankaj Dhangar

Abstract:

Indian art has always been a source of connectivity and purity. Painting is one of the art forms that has a profound effect on human minds. Shading or the use of proper light in painting is one of the best techniques deployed in painting to show depth and reality. In the Vishnudharmottara Purana, the significance of colour and shading is mentioned. Indian painting has always been more connected with religion and culturally more organised and symbolic in nature. The art of Europe is more inclined toward realism, on the other hand, the use of light and shadow in Indian painting has always remained secondary, but the delicacy of line remained important. The first encounter to create the effect of volume in painting in the Indian subcontinent dates back to the 2nd century BC- 6^th century CE, which was the time of the Ajanta murals. But the finest and proper use of shading to create depth and reality in painting is observed during the 16^th century CE, with the European arrival at the court of Mughal emperors. In Mughal miniature, naturalistic rendering of form and drapery is seen, but the essence remained indigenous. This paper examines the historical overview of using light and shadow in Indian painting and its journey in different eras, its contribution and acceptance over time.   

Keywords:

Light and shadow, Indian painting, volume in painting, depth in painting

Vol & Issue:

VOL.18, ISSUE No.1, March 2026