Handmade paintings of India are known for their aesthetic diversity and wide range. They are perfect items to enhance the décor of your home or office and are even viable gift items. Renowned for their rich textures and use of colors, Indian Handmade Paintings are much desired due to the dexterity of Indian artisans.

Some of the well-known forms of Indian Handmade Paintings include:

- Miniature Paintings/ Mughal Paintings

- Madhubani Paintings

- Rajput Paintings

- Mysore Paintings

- Tanjore Paintings

- Pichwai Paintings

- Palm Leaf Paintings (Patachitra)

The earliest known Miniature Paintings are found in the Jain Scriptures. They are 4- 6 inches in size. Mughal painting is a particular style of Indian painting, generally confined to miniatures either as book illustrations or as single works to be kept in albums, which emerged from Persian miniature painting, with Indian Hindu and Buddhist influences, and developed during the period of the Mughal Empire. Mughal painting was rich in variety and included portraits, events and scenes from court life, wild life and hunting scenes, and illustrations of battles.

Madhubani painting is a style of uttradi mutt painting, practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar state, India. The origins of Madhubani painting are shrouded in antiquity and tradition. The painting was traditionally done on freshly plastered mud wall of huts, but now it is also done on cloth, hand-made paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings use 2- D imagery, and the colors used are derived from plants.

Rajput painting evolved and flourished during the 18th century in the royal courts of Rajputana. The style of Rajput Handmade Paintings is reminiscent of Mughal Handmade Paintings which them selves were based on Persian Art. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna's life, beautiful landscapes, and humans.

Mysore Handmade Painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting. Known for their elegance, muted colors, and attention to detail. The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. These paintings have become a sought after souvenir during festive occasions in South India and also make beautiful gifts and wall hangings.

Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting native to the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Tanjore Paintings are known for their surface richness, vivid colours and compact composition. The themes of most of these paintings are Hindu gods and goddesses, and saints as well. Episodes from Hindu tradition are drawn upon as elaboration to the main figure / figures placed in the central section of the picture. In modern times, these paintings have become a much sought after as souvenir during festive occasions in South India; or as pieces to decorate the walls ; or as collectors' item by art lovers.

Pichwai Handmade Painting is a form of traditional fabric painting that is rooted in Rajasthan. They are created and used as backdrops in the Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara and in other Krishna temples. The main theme of these paintings is Shrinathji and his exploits. Pichwais are painted, printed with handblocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué. Pichwais are done in dark rich hues on rough hand spun cloth. These paintings have deep religious roots and are executed with the utmost devotion of the painters. Presently Pichwais are painted in Udaipur and Nathdwara. The outlines of the pichwai are dark and it is patterned with colourful embroidery; gold thread is used in some to highlight the design. When the pichwai is appliquéd, the background is in red cotton while the stitches are in cream, green, yellow, and black; white is used for the outlines. Gota work is done on velvet and are on appliquéd wall scrolls. The theme of the pichwais varies according to the season and its moods.

The devotional art of Patachitras is exclusive to the community of painters known as the 'Chitrakars'. The chitrakars live and practice their hereditary art in Puri. This form of art has been greatly influenced by the Jagannath Rath Yatras held each year. Each of the Chitrakar family owns a family sketchbook handed down from generation to generation. Gods and Goddesses, the Lilas (feats) of Lord Krishna, legends and animals, are all depicted in the sketchbooks.

The materials used by these forms are art are all biodegradable. Any art lover or collector would much appreciate, gifts belonging to this genre. A simple way to add an ethnic touches to your home as well as preserving Indian heritage.