The Marwar School of paintings developed a strikingly individual style which was interpreted in a host of different ways by local artists in the many small fiefdoms that were the ancestral lands of the Rathore nobility. Artists trained at the Mughal courts brought sophisticated concepts of portraiture and composition to Jodhpur in the 17th and 18th centuries, and these ideas were combined with distinctive local styles and bold colours to form a unique lively school of painting. The Mehrangarh Museum has more than 3000 miniature paintings in the collection which dates from the late 16th to 19th century CE.
The Mehrangarh textiles comprise several late Mughal tents, tent walls, canopies, hangings and floor spreads that date from the late 17th to the mid-18th century. Mehrangarh holds perhaps the single largest collection in the world of such textiles from this period. A small number of garments, floor-covers and hangings from the late 18th and 19th century and an assortment of costumes and furnishings from the late 19th and early 20th century add to the collection.
Many of the textiles reflect high Mughal styles and standards of craftsmanship from the dispersal of master viewers, embroiderers and dyers from the imperial workshops.
The Jodhpur armoury is a working collection of weapons that has grown over the centuries for practical reasons; by conquest, purchase, confiscation and by gifts. Because of the Rajput’s religious and social codes, arms occupy a place at the very heart of Rajput culture and therefore, the armoury of Marwar was a place of pride, maintained accordingly. The collection dates from the 17th to the 20th century CE.
The decorative art works at the museum dating from the late 17th century to the early 20th century, include some examples of furniture, howdahs, palkis, cradles, jewellery, silver and other metal work, glass, and wood work. The Jodhpur rulers spent most of their reigns on prolonged military campaigns to faraway places. These travels introduced them to many regional art forms that lead to the collection featuring a wide variety of materials, methods and manufacturers, from all over India and other parts of the world.
Mehrangarh Museum Trust has a collection of exclusive publications related to art, culture, history and traditions. You can visit our Library situated at the Fort and can have a look at our books.
Our publications are available online as well for purchase www.mehrangarhmuseumshop.com