Method of Plastering Walls for Painting ( Sudhalepavidhanam )
Summary
Drawing on Sanskrit treatises, this article describes traditional Indian techniques for preparing walls and creating frescoes. It details recipes for making lime plasters, including mixing shell lime with the milk of tender coconuts and sand, pounding the mixture to a fine paste, and applying successive coats to achieve a smooth surface. The author explains how pigments were derived from minerals and plants and outlines methods for burnishing and polishing walls before painting. The article notes that artisans planned compositions with outlines drawn in red ochre and emphasises the importance of shading and perspective. By presenting step‑by‑step instructions and citing verses from ancient texts, the paper sheds light on indigenous science of materials and artistic practices used in temples and palaces.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The treatise reveals that classical Indian fresco painting was a rigorously codified practice where chemistry, craftsmanship, and artistic vision were inseparably fused into a durable and systematic visual tradition.