This pictorial volume contains 11 essays contributed by eminent scholars. These essays explore various topics of recent research which throw new light on the major Rajasthani Schools of painting and their social, historical, and religious background. The articles are based on material from a multitude of public and private collections in India and throughout the world, and wall-paintings in situ. Besides chapters on less familiar aspects of local painting styles, essays on individual illustrated manuscripts, and on artists, their families, and patrons are included. Contents: (1) Rajasthani Paintings: Its Study and Scope, (2) Early Painting at Bundi, (3) The Saving Power of Soron: Sahibdin of Udaipur and the Sukarakshetra Mahatmya,(4) Court Painting for the Amber Rulers, circa 1590-1727, (5) The Umarani Usta Master-Painters of Bikaner and their Genealogy, (6) Bijapur Themes in Bikaner Painting, (7) Satire and Humor in Kishangarh Painting, (8) The Thakurs of Ghanerao as Patrons of Painting, (9) A Hitopadesha Manuscript of 1761-62 from Uniara, (10) Scenes of Devotion and Court Life: Painting under Maharao Ram Singh of Kota, (11) Court Painting and Yogic Metaphysics in 19th. Century Jodhpur.