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Surpur Art: 400-Year-Old Tradition Revived
3 Apr
Summary
- Surpur painting is a 400-year-old art form from Kalyana Karnataka.
- The art flourished under Bedar Nayak rulers, blending Deccani, Mughal, and South Indian styles.
- It is displayed in prestigious museums like Salar Jung and National Craft Museum.
Surpur painting, an artistic tradition hailing from the Kalyana Karnataka region, boasts a history spanning approximately 400 years. Emerging during the rule of the Bedar Nayaks, who governed the Surpur kingdom between 1636 and 1858, the art form received significant encouragement in royal courts.
The tradition is believed to have gained prominence when painters migrated to North Karnataka following the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire after the 1565 Battle of Talikota. This convergence of styles resulted in a unique aesthetic, bearing similarities to Mysore and Tanjore paintings but distinguished by its spiritual depth and visual language.
Initially created as murals or miniatures using natural pigments, Surpur paintings later transitioned to canvas with acrylic paints. Master artist Banaiah Garudadri, considered pivotal to the style, shaped its blend of Deccani, Mughal, and South Indian influences. Though practiced by few, the art is preserved in museums like Salar Jung and the National Craft Museum.
