Tue Oct 21 10:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:
Summary:
Paintings from medieval India offer a glimpse into how Diwali was celebrated centuries ago. These artworks, created in royal courts and depicting everyday life, showcase the festival’s multifaceted nature. Diwali was celebrated by royalty as a display of power and wealth, seen in paintings showcasing rulers surrounded by family, attendants, and fireworks. At the same time, it was a deeply personal and communal event, with women playing a central role in lighting lamps and decorating homes, as well as social gatherings. The festival also intertwined with religious themes, linking to stories of devotion. By the 19th century, as depicted in William Simpson’s artwork, Diwali had grown beyond palaces to encompass citywide celebrations, making it a festival for all classes. These paintings serve as valuable historical records, illuminating how Diwali was perceived and experienced in pre-modern India, blending religious significance, social customs, and artistic expression.
News Article:
Ancient Paintings Illuminate Diwali Celebrations of Centuries Past
[City, Date] – A collection of medieval Indian paintings provides a fascinating window into how Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated hundreds of years ago. These artworks, originating from royal courts and depicting scenes of daily life, reveal a rich tapestry of customs and traditions surrounding the beloved holiday.
The paintings, primarily from Rajasthan and northern India, showcase Diwali’s significance across different social strata. In pieces like “Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar and Sons during the Festival of Diwali” and “Maharao Ram Singh Celebrating Diwali,” the festival is portrayed as a royal affair. Rulers are depicted surrounded by family, attendants, and dazzling displays of fireworks, highlighting Diwali as a symbol of power, prosperity, and order.
However, the paintings also reveal a more intimate and communal side of the festival. Works like “Ladies Celebrating Diwali” and “Group of Women Celebrating Diwali” focus on the vital role women played in the festivities. These scenes showcase women lighting lamps, holding sparklers, and adorning courtyards, emphasizing the importance of family gatherings, tradition, and the continuity of cultural practices.
“These paintings show that women played a central role in keeping traditions alive. The lamps they light symbolised care and continuity, not just decoration.”
The paintings also highlight Diwali’s connection to religious narratives. “Radha and Krishna Watching Fireworks in the Night Sky” links the festival to stories of devotion and love, illustrating the holiday’s importance in both human and divine realms.
Moreover, William Simpson’s 1867 artwork “Diwali, Feast of Lamps” shows a view of Banaras during the festival. The narrow lanes are full of people and lamps. It marks a shift from royal celebration to a citywide event. By the 19th century, Diwali had spread beyond palaces, becoming a festival for all classes.
Historians say that these paintings offer a unique and valuable glimpse into the cultural landscape of pre-modern India. Before the advent of electricity and modern decorations, Diwali was celebrated with a blend of religious fervor, social interaction, and artistic expression. These paintings serve as a visual testament to the enduring spirit of the festival of lights.
First Piper 