The world of Indian miniatures

Published in 1979, The World of Indian Miniatures was released during a period of burgeoning Western interest in South Asian art history. Written by Jamila Brij Bhushan, a noted chronicler of Indian culture and crafts, the book was intended as an accessible scholarly survey for enthusiasts and students. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and thematic evolution of miniature painting, contextualizing the medium within the broader framework of the subcontinent's royal courts and religious traditions.

The design of the volume reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of late 1970s academic publishing, focusing on clarity of reproduction and the integration of text with visual plates. By partnering with Harper & Row for its American distribution, the work reached a wider international audience than many niche monographs of the era. Critics and educators of the time praised the book for its meticulous categorization of various regional schools, such as the Rajasthani and Mughal styles, which helped demystify these complex art forms for a general readership.