This Pahari styles of painting developed in the Sub-Himalayan states that were also under the umbrella of Mughal overlordship. There were many schools that were flourishing in smaller kingdoms, which came under the blanket of ‘Pahari Paintings’. These consisted ateliers in the court of around 22 princely states stretching from Jammu to Almora. Hence, the Pahari paintings can be grouped into two groups:
- Jammu or Dogra School: Northern Series
- Kangra School: Southern Series
The themes that were painted ranged from mythology to literature and brought new techniques to the fore. A typical Pahari painting would bring several figures into the canvas and they would all be full of movement. Each figure is different in composition, colour, and pigmentation. Two of the greatest figures of this school are Nainsukh and Manaku.
Kangra School of Paintings:
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, many artists trained in the Mughal style migrated to the Kangra region as they got patronage by Raja Goverdhan Singh in 1774. It led to the birth of Guler Kangra School of paintings. It first evolved in Guler then came to Kangra. This school reached its zenith under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand at Sujanpur Tira. His paintings were marked with a sensuality and intelligence that the other schools lack.
The most popular subjects were the Gita Govinda, Bhagwata Purana, Baramasa, Satsai of Biharilal, Rasikpriya of Keshvadas and Nal Damyanti. All the paintings had an other worldly feel about them. Another very famous group of paintings is the “Twelve months” where the artist tried to bring forth the effect of the twelve months on the emotions of human beings. This emotive style was popular of the 19th century. The Kangra School became the parent school to the other ateliers which developed in the court of Kullu, Chamba, and Mandi.
Suggested Reading: History of District Kangra
Basholi School of Paintings:
The paintings created in the Pahari School in the 17th century were called the Basholi School. This was the early phase and expressive faces with a receding hairline and big eyes that are shaped like lotus petals characterize it. These paintings use a lot of primary colors as symbols, i.e., red for love, yellow for happiness and green for nature. They used the Mughal technique of painting on clothing but developed their own styles and techniques.
This is the earliest known hill school of paintings in the region. The first patron of this school was Raja Kirpal Singh who ordered the illustration of Bhanudatta’s Rasmajari, Gita Govinda and the Ramayana drawings. The most famous painter of this school was Devi Das who was famous for his depiction of Radha Krishna and the portrait of kings in their livery and in white garments. The contrast of colors is associated with this school and they stylistically borrowed from the Malwa paintings.
Other Schools:
Arki School of Paintings:
- Arki was the capital of Baghal state in Shimla Hills (present-day district Solan).
- Arki school was influenced by Basholi School of Paintings but later Kangra style was adopted.
- The paintings of School deal with Shiva-Parvati, Krishna legend, and Nayak-Nayika themes of Rasikpriya of Keshvadas.
- Basholi Kalam was flourished in Arki under the patronage of Rana Mehar Chand (1723-43) and Rana Bhup Chand (1743-78).
- Later Kangra Kalam flourished under the patronage of Raja Jagat Singh, Saran Singh.
- Raja Kishan Singh of Baghal helped Kangra Kalam to flourish in the State.
Chamba School of Paintings:
- The earlier painting of Chamba was influenced by Basholi Kalam but later influenced by Kangra Kalam.
- The central theme of Chamba Paintings was Vishnu in his two incarnations, Rama and Krishna.
- For the first time, Chamba paintings got royal patronage under Raja Udai Singh.
- In the 18th century, Nikka was the master artist of Chamba paintings.
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Thank you Sir plz send all important gk of H. P.
Plz provide important questions in pdf form thank you sir