Marvel of Mughal Miniatures: The Brushes That Make Magic
The Mughal miniature is known for setting a vast and intricate story within a very small frame. This means that the subjects- human, natural, and architectural elements with all their details were drawn with precision. Everything, from a line to shading of the subjects was to be done with a steady hand because the miniature would be effective only if all the visual components were sharp and clear. To draw a perfect miniature, the artist had to pick the perfect brush. "In Sanskrit the word Tulika is used for brushes. The artists in their ordinary language call it Kalam. It is worthwhile noting here that the different styles of paintings are also called as Kalam, viz. - Bundi Kalam, Kangra Kalam, Shah Kalam, etc. Kalams of different thicknesses are chiefly prepared for different types of works and from different types of bristles. The thick or medium size Kalam is required to fill colors in the painting."
Published in Jun 1999
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