Born in 1946 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Dr. Nathu Lal Verma is a distinguished artist and scholar, renowned for his mastery of traditional miniature painting, particularly in the style of illuminated manuscripts. Raised in a family of painters, he was deeply influenced by the rich artistic heritage of his surroundings. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in art, which led him to formal training under the legendary Padma Shri awardee Kripal Singh Shekhawat. Under his mentorship, Dr. Verma spent three formative years mastering the intricate techniques of classical miniature painting.
Dr. Verma's expertise encompasses a broad range of traditional forms, including fresco wall art, miniature painting using mineral and watercolours, and Pichwai art—a devotional and highly detailed style that is increasingly rare today. His work reflects a profound respect for Rajasthan’s cultural legacy, which he believes is not only significant but timeless. He often highlights how Rajasthan’s royal courts historically nurtured the arts, offering patronage that allowed these traditions to thrive.
Following his formal education at the Rajasthan School of Arts, Dr. Verma undertook advanced research and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Rajasthan in 1987. He subsequently joined the same university as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Drawing and Painting, where he devoted himself to mentoring future generations of artists and sustaining the continuity of traditional artistic practices. A respected author as well, Dr. Verma has published pivotal works such as Rajasthan Shaily ki Vibhinna Chitran Vidhiya and Chitra Manjusha, which serve as essential resources for scholars and art enthusiasts alike.
His artworks have been showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including those organized by the State Lalit Kala Akademi and Jawahar Kala Kendra. Over the years, his exceptional contributions have earned him several honours, including:
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Indian art, Dr. Verma has received several prestigious honours, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Lalit Kala Akademi and a Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development. In addition, he has been the recipient of multiple national and state-level awards that acknowledge his lifelong commitment to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian art. Today, Dr. Nathu Lal Verma stands as a venerated figure in the Indian art community—a guardian of Rajasthan’s traditional artistic heritage and a passionate advocate for its preservation. His enduring legacy continues to inspire emerging artists, scholars, and cultural custodians across generations
