1996 VERSION: The essence of the Indian miniaturists' visual expression lay in the idea of symbolism. Through it, the artists revealed their deep-rooted genius. In the language of symbols they recorded their communion with nature, rich in wonder, awe and delight. Their minds excelled in expressing what lay beyond the primary function of lines and pigments. 'The master painter disposes', Buddha once remarked while alluding to the art of metaphysical teaching, 'his colours for the sake of a picture that cannot be seen in the colours themselves.

2008 VERSION:This sweeping narrative centring on one of the vibrant expressions of Indian creative genius covers the time span between the sacred Buddhist palm-leaf manuscript illuminations of the 1lth-13th century and the delightfully documentary 'Company paintings' produced essentially for European patrons during late 18th and 19th century. The process of development, remarkably uneven in its rhythm, was at times paradoxically coupled with the anonymity of most of its creators. Every era placed certain challenges before the painters who felt the need to assert their pride and reputation at least within the restricted circle of connoisseurs and clients. Every artistic innovation was observed, interpreted and critically evaluated in the guild; laden with meaning, painted imagery was expected to be functional in the context of a specific time and place yet represent a self-contained reality.