The Kota school of painting is a fine example of Rajput style of painting. Belonging to the erstwhile Kota kingdom of
Rajasthan, it is renowned for the portrayal of battles, hunting expeditions, marriages and other major political events. It was a blend of Muslim and Hindu style of painting. Opaque water colors were usually employed and the themes are usually related to religion, politics and literature.
One of the preferred topics in these paintings was the favorite royal sport, tiger hunting. They portrayed the king, mounted on elephant during the hunt, and his followers amidst thick vegetation. The artists often accompanied the expeditions to record the events. They captured the movements of the animals, most prominent among them being the elephant. Stress was given on the energy and magnificence of the elephant rather than its adornment. Artists belonging to the Kota school were considered the best in depicting the elephant.
