17th century artworks found in J'khand

The paintings reportedly resemble Rajasthani paintings in vogue during the Mughal period.

Two paintings, dating back to the 17th century, have been found in Jharkhand by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which says they resemble Rajasthani paintings in vogue during the Mughal period.

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The paintings were found in a Shiva temple located in the state's Gumla district, about 140 km from here. According to an ASI official, the paintings resemble the Pahari style that was common in Rajasthan during the 17th century.

"The polychrome hue shades resemble Pahari art that was largely found in Rajasthan and the lower Himalayan regions," said Onkar Nath Chauhan, an archaeologist with ASI, Ranchi.

He said: "A painting found on the dome of the temple seems to have been influenced by portraits made during Mughal emperor Jehangir's period. It depicts a person holding a flower in his hand."

The other painting found in the temple's garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) resembles the works of tribals of the same period. It has floral decorations and geometrical squares in red, green and white.

With the ASI stepping up its work in Jharkhand, it has come across several archaeological sites in the state.