Chitralakshana: Story of Indian Paintings by Mulk Raj Anand is an engaging introduction to the rich history and evolution of Indian painting, written especially for young readers and general art enthusiasts. Named after the ancient Sanskrit treatise Chitralakshana ("The Characteristics of Painting"), the book traces the development of Indian painting from prehistoric cave art and early Buddhist murals to medieval miniatures and modern Indian masters. Anand combines his deep knowledge of Indian art with a simple, accessible narrative, making the subject approachable without sacrificing historical depth.

The book explores the major schools of Indian painting, including the Ajanta murals, Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, Deccani, and Bengal School traditions. It explains how religion, mythology, literature, royal patronage, and cultural exchange shaped India's artistic heritage over thousands of years. Illustrated with reproductions of important artworks, the book serves as both an educational introduction and a concise reference for students, teachers, and anyone interested in Indian visual culture.