Pahari Paintings in India – Art & Culture Notes for APSC, UPSC & State Exams
Pahari painting is a common term used for a form of Indian painting, done mostly in miniature forms, originating from Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India, during 17th-19th century. Nainsukh was a famous master of the mid-18th century, followed by his family workshop for another two generations.
The Pahari school developed and flourished during 17th-19th centuries stretching from Jammu to Almora and Garhwal, through Himachal Pradesh. Each created stark variations within the genre. The Kangra style reached its pinnacle with paintings of Radha and Krishna, inspired by Jayadev’s Gita Govinda. Pahari painting grew out of the Mughal painting, though this was patronized mostly by the Rajput kings who ruled many parts of these Himalayan region.
Types of Pahari Paintings of Himachal Pradesh
Basohli Paintings
The Basohli town in Himachal Pradesh is known for Basohli Paintings. This town has created wonderful Devi series, magnificent series of the manifestations of the Supreme Goddess. It is also known for the magnificent depiction of the Rasamanjari text. Geometrical patterns, bright colors and lustrous enamel depict Basohli paintings.
Chamba Paintings
The appearance of Chamba paintings is similar to the Mughal style of paintings. It has the strong influences of Deccan and Gujarat style of paintings. The late 17th century seen Chamba paintings being dominated by Basohli style, which eventually paved the way to Guler painting tradition.
Bilaspur Paintings
Bilaspur town is located in Himachal Pradesh. This town has witnessed the growth of the Pahari paintings around the mid-17th century. Apart from the artworks of the Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana and Ragamala sequence, painters also made paintings on coverlets for sacraments and rituals.
Guler-Kangra Style Paintings
The Guler Kangra painting style was developed somewhere around the year 1800. It was naturalized version of the painting, with an evident difference in the treatment of eyes and modeling of the face. Landscapes were also generally used as themes in Guler-Kangra style paintings. This style also emphasized the grace and refinement of the Indian women.
Garhwal Paintings
Garhwal Paintings started in Himachal Pradesh. It was initially dominated by the Mughal style. Later, it began reflecting the simpler version of Kangra traditions.
Kulu Paintings
The paintings of Kulu style comprise two Madhumalati manuscripts, Bhagavata Purana, etc.
Mandi Paintings
Mandi has witnessed the evolution of a new style of painting under Raja Sidh Sen from 1684 to 1727. The paintings portrayed the ruler as a colossal figure with exaggerated huge heads, hands, and feet. Geometric configurations and subtle, realistic details characterized other works.
Nurpur Paintings
Nurpur paintings are found in Himachal Pradesh. Nurpur paintings generally employ bright colors and flat backgrounds. Later periods, the dazzling colors were substituted by subdued ones.
Jammu & Kashmir style of Pahari Paintings
Some forms of Pahari paintings from the Jammu and Kashmir regions are as follows:
Jammu Paintings
Jammu paintings bear a remarkable resemblance to the Kangra style. Shangri Ramayana of the late 17th and early 18th century was produced in Jammu itself.
Jasrota Paintings
Jasrota paintings are mainly found in Jammu and Kashmir. It orbits around events from the life of the kings, court scenes, symbolic scenes, etc.
Mankot Paintings
Mankot paintings are found in Jammu and Kashmir. It bears a similarity to the Basohli type. It uses vivid colors and bold subjects. In the mid-17th century, portraitures became a general theme. Later, the emphasis drifted to naturalism and muted colors.