Mural Paintings and Frescos of Punjab

Punjabi people prefer living well and traditionally they have been fond of decorating their homes and shrines. Various types of paintings are popular in the state. Mural paintings and frescos of Punjab are one of the most famous arts of Punjab. Most of the villages of Punjab have huge gates adorned with painted images of various animals and scenes from the life of Sikh Gurus, national sports and festivals and some breathtaking pictures from the battlefields. Some of the excellent illustrations of frescos and paintings still exist in Amritsar and other cities of Punjab.

One of the finest examples of the mural paintings and frescos of Punjab is the Sanctum of Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar. The sanctum of Harmandir Sahib displays 300 various models of fresco paintings and zoological designs that are made of stones. All the frescos portray a work of classic Punjabi art. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is another attractive site in the city that exhibits a wide collection of remarkable small paintings. A portfolio of ivory small paintings of the chiefs of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is most beautiful and eye-catching. There is a nice picture of Maharaja Sher Singh on a horseback, which is painted in 1841 by August Scheoft during his visit to Lahore. This painting is one of the most exceptional pictures of the museum.

Tower of Baba Atal Rai is known as a mine of wall paintings, metal works and stone in lay. Another beautiful museum in Amritsar is Akhara Bala Nand near the Golden Temple. There is a big hall on the second story of the museum, which has every inch of its walls decorated with frescos based primarily on religious ideas.

The murals in the suburban museum of Qila Androon at Patiala are unequaled. Most of which are painted by great artists from Rajasthan and Kangra. These pictures portray themes of Mahabharata, Ramayana, Geet Govinda and Shrimad Bhagwat. All the scenes are enchanting and they keep everyone spellbound for a while. The myths of Sassi Punnu, Laila Majnu, Sohni Mahiwal and other famous couples are also tinted in one of the bedchambers of the museum.

The Sheesh Mahal of Patiala is an enigmatic palace in the city. As well, it is one of the best examples of mural paintings and frescos of Punjab. The designer of Sheesh Mahal, Maharaja Narendra Singh was an admirer of arts, literature and music. The walls of this palace are adorned with murals and paintings that depict the vision of the poetry of Bhiari Lal, Keshav Dass and Surdas in the illustrious lines and colors. Other paintings illustrate themes from folklores, legends and Raga Ragnis. The placement of concave and colored mirrors in the prayer room of the place generates an incredible effect on the minds of the viewers because of the artistic arrangement of the focus of light on the pictures. The flowery designs on the walls are evocative of Emperor Jahangir's era.

Really, mural paintings and frescos of Punjab keep everyone spellbound for few moments. Do not miss an opportunity of watching some of the famous mural paintings of Punjab.

Last Updated On: 2011/07/07