India has a rich tradition of art and art schools since ancient times. Beginning as early as 2nd century BCE at Bhimbetka rock (the earliest settlement of humans in the Indian subcontinent), Indian mural paintings traveled across the continent in different forms and integrated with each subset of Indian culture inseparably. With the development of civilization, classical art forms and schools flourished with a great deal of support from royal courts and patrons. While classical paintings needed schools to grow, folk and tribal arts found its stand strongly by being a part of local religious beliefs, rituals, and worships.

Indian courtroom paintings flourished during 16th – 19th century and revered highly by art lovers across the globe. In addition to the indigenous styles, these art forms took a touch of Mughal and Persian style during their invasion of India. Among the different classical paintings, a few won the hearts of people beyond time and change. Pichhwai, Tanjore paintings, Mysore paintings, Pattachitra (semi-classical), miniatures (influenced by Mughal and Persian style) are a few to name that are practiced even today. However, the traditional art forms in India at present are practiced only by a handful of communities and lineages, who are willfully carrying the great responsibility of passing on the art form to next generations. Varn began with an aim of sharing the responsibility of sustaining and spreading the art form among art lovers beyond borders.

Found below is a collection of few of the classical Indian paintings created by such skilled artists who come from the lineage of renowned courtroom artisans.