Miniature Painting flourished in India between the 16th–19th centuries under royal patronage—especially in Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, and Deccan courts. Known for its fine brushwork, intricate detail, and storytelling inspired by epics, nature, and courtly life, miniature painting is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Despite what the word suggests today, “miniature” in miniature painting doesn't come from the word ‘mini’ (small)—though the paintings are indeed small. Instead, it comes from “minium,” a red lead pigment used in illuminated manuscripts in medieval Europe. In practice, miniature paintings are small in size but incredibly rich in detail, requiring precision brushes and often a magnifying glass - A full royal court scene may be painted on a page just 6–8 inches wide.

Join us for a 2-day immersive workshop celebrating the rich legacy of Indian Miniature Painting

Day 1: Begin by creating our own wasli—a traditional handmade paper made by layering and burnishing sheets together, just as artists did centuries ago. This process is meditative and grounding, setting the perfect tone for what follows. Create a base of your painting with tracing and colours

Day 2: Dive into more painting techniques inspired by classical themes. You’ll learn how to build detail through layering, shading, and linework while bringing out the beauty of this traditional artform in your masterpiece

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About Gali Art Fest 2025

Gali Art Fest is an initiative of Alive Studio to honour India’s handmade traditions — not through textbooks or timelines, but by picking up the brush ourselves. Our team of mentors & art practitioners guide you through folk and craft-inspired workshops where you’ll try traditional techniques and reimagine them in ways that fit into your everyday — on journals, textiles, keepsakes, and walls.It’s for anyone who’s curious about where our art comes from, and how we can keep it alive — not by preserving it in glass, but by making it with our own hands.