Paintings reflect the beliefs and customs of the common people. Paintings are so designed that they appeal to the viewers. Their sheer artistry and beautiful sentiments please the individuals. Silk paintings have a timeless appeal and their elegance, style and beauty give them a high-status acceptance. The designs of silk painting can be very diverse and motifs & textures range from ethnic and coarse to intricate and refined. Silk painting is creating art on fabric with silk as the canvas. Silk paintings can be designed as art to hang, functional, such as wearable art or for home decor. The heavy use of gold appears as another distinguishing characteristic to highlight highlight the patterns.

Skilled craftsmen use a process that allows the silk canvas to "hold" the paint in vibrant details, while painting on them. This process often makes the silk have a stiff quality and as if done on paper. Silk Paintings reached their height when India was under Moghul rule during the early 17th-19th century. Rajasthan was the most preferred location and the largest concentration of artists for this type of art can still be found. Rich court life and religious themes are often depicted as a characteristic of this art form. Beautiful women are often found in these works of art along with vibrant gemstone coloring.

The famous miniature paintings with delicate brushwork can be done using silk as the medium. These miniature paintings on silk are painstakingly painted creations depicting events and lifestyle of the people. The contemporary style of painting ragmalas or melody garland is the exclusive style of Indian paintings. The sentiment evoked by the raga can also be transcribed on the silk canvas and adds shining colors to the paintings. The Kalamkari work of painted and printed fabric is includes hand painting as well as block printing with vegetable dyes. The kalamkari work on silk fabric entirely by hand reflect the austere beauty of art. Bright, vivid and glowing colors are used to add richness to the paintings done on silk.