The Indian artist , especially the artists from Karnataka., understood the meaning and purpose of art as expounded in ancient text. The origin of art and painting in Karnataka can be traced to the fountain head of Indian art, viz.. Ajanta ( 2nd century BC to 7th century AD). The early Chalukyan paintings in rock cut temples of Badami ( 6th century AD) in Karnataka continued the Ajanta tradition.

They were followed by the Rashtrakutas, a few remnants of their painting can be seen in the rock cut temple known as 'Kailasa’ at Ellora (12th Century AD). After Rashtrakutas, it was during early 12th century AD), Karnataka produced famous Mudabidre manuscripts (early 12th century AD), the figures of which seem to have drawn from the sculptures of Jain temples of Hoysala period. The paper manuscripts known as Bagewadi manuscripts came from Bagewadi in Bijapur District of Karnataka. believed to belong to 6th Century AD. These paintings are executed on the covers made of wood, the subject matter being life and works of Basavesvara, the famous Virasaiva leader and Social Reformer of 12th century AD. The popularity of the paintings in the houses of Karnataka can be inferred from the references contained in Abhulasitarthacintamani written by Someshwara III, the late Chalukya leader of Kalyana (1116-1127 AD) recommending decoration of house with paintings.

However, it was The Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565 AD) which developed three Schools of Art. viz.. 'Deccani School’. ‘The Mysore School’ and ‘The Tanjore School . The credit for establishing the Mysore School should go to Raja Wodeyar (1578-1617 AD) who rehabilitated several families of painters of the Vijayanagar School at Srirangapatna. The Mysore School was at its zenith during the rule of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1799-1868 AD).

The term “Traditional Painting” connotes a continuity of time honoured practice based on ancient concepts, themes and rules of paintings with ideology and forms in harmony creating the superhuman atmosphere. Hence, the Mysore School and the Tanjore School are known as the traditional painting schools.