G.D.

GOENKA GLOBAL SCHOOL, NOIDA

Fine Arts, grade 12 (2023-24)
MINIATURE PAINTING (PAHARI SCHOOL)

Q1. Write the main features of Pahari miniature paintings.

A1. The main features of Pahari miniature paintings are use of strong and contrasting
colours, monochrome background, large eyes, bold drawing, use of beetle wings for
showing diamonds in ornaments, narrow sky, superb senses of composition, deep sense of
expressing human expressions and the red border are observable in the paintings.
Q2. How did the Pahari school evolve? /Write an essay on the origin ,development
and sub-schools of the Pahari school of miniature painting.

A2. The Pahari school developed and flourished during 17th-19th centuries stretching
from Jammu to Garhwal, in the sub-Himalayan India, through Himachal Pradesh. The
whole of this area was divided into small states ruled by the Rajput prices who were often
engaged in warfare. Pahari painting evolved from Mughal painting, albeit it was
primarily patronised by Rajput rulers who dominated many sections of the region, and it
gave rise to a new idiom in Indian painting. Many artists of Rajasthan had settled in the
region due to fear of the Mughals.

The word Pahari translated as ‘from the mountains’and is a term used by art
historians to refer to the paintings from a number of hill kingdoms like Guler
,Kangra,Basholi ,Chamba,Kullu , Mandi, Garhwal etc, where local kings patronized art.
The Mughals an the Rajput painters who sought refuge here were l;trained and master
artist so as a result they created the new Pahari style with the fusion with the local folk art.
The Sub schools of the Pahari miniature school are as follows :

1. Basholi = Basohli is situated in Punjab were the Pahari style emetged late in the 17th
century and then spread to other hill states of Kullu ,Mandi ,Chamba etc. The patron of
this school was Raja Kripal Pal (scholar,art lover ). The artist used primary colours ,warm
yellow colour for background and horizon,stylized treatment of vegetation ,striking white
paint for ornaments . The most significant feature of Basholi school is using small,shiny
green particles of beetle wings to create the effect of emerald .Popular theme of Basohli
painters was the Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta.Artist also painted Bhagvat Puran , Ragmala
,court scenes,portraits of local kings etc.

2. Guler = Guler artist Pandit Seu with his sons Manaku and Nainsukh initiated a new
style known as pre -Kangra or Gulaer-Kangra Kalam .This style is more refined ,subdued
and elegant compared to the bold vitality of the Basholi style .The specialized features of
Guler miniature is the idealization of feminine beauty and charm ,naturalism ,greater
refinement ,finished details ,greater delicacy due to trained Mughal artists. One prominent
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feature among the landscape is the Cyprus trees which could be seen in every Gular
painting .Use of gold in Guler painting is frequent with birds and animals are painted
realistically.

3. Kangra = Kangra painting style was developed through the artist of Guler which was
the most refined phase of the Pahari style.Raja Sansar Chand patronized Kangra school
under which Jayadev’s poem Geetgovind , Bihari Sat sai ,Bhagwat Puran etc were
translated into paintings of exquisite beauty. Fattu , Purkhu and Khushala were the
important painters of this school .Characteristic features of this school are delicacy of
lines,brilliance of colours ,minuteness of decorative details and depiction of women with
straight nose in line with the forehead.

4. Chamba = Raja Udai Singh and Raja Jai Singh were the patrons of this school of
painting . The known artist of this school were Lehru, Durga ,Nikku and Miyan Jara
Singh.The main features of Chamba paintings were Hindu Mythology ,Baramasa ,stylized
manner with vivid colour tonalities,flat background ,resemblance to contemporary Mughal
architecture .

5. Gharwal = This school was first dominated by the Mughal style. The main features
were beautiful women with fully developed upper bodies, thin waist line ,soft oval shaped
faces ,rhythmic lines and passionate romance added grace to the paintings.

6. Kullu – Mandi = The works of Kullu artists were influenced by the Basohli style. The
prominent features of this school were lavish use of grey and terracotta red colour int the
background. Shangri Ramayana is well known set, painted in the Kullu valley (17th
century). Krishna Lila themes, Shaivite subjects were also painted.

Q3. Appreciate the following miniature paintings based on the names of the painter,
medium, school, subject matter, composition and techniques.

a) Krishna with Gopis

b) Nand, Yashoda and Krishna with Kinsmen going to Vrindavan

A3. a) Krishna with Gopis :

Name of the painter =Manaku

Medium= Tempera on handmade paper

School = Basohli School

Subject Matter = This painting is an illustration from the ‘Geet Govind’ series by
Jayadeva, depicting the plays of Radha and Krishna symbolizing soul’s devotion towards
God and visually displays the ambience being created in nature.
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Composition = The painting presents Krishna surrounded by Gopis singing and dancing
on the bank of river Yamuna. The composition is horizontally extended with Gopis on left
and right side. Radha with folded hands accompanied by maids on the right side while on
the left side two gopis discussing something among themselves. Two gopis standing next
to Krishna and one touching his feet. The figures of women are shown clad in rich
costumes, stylised faces, bulging eyes give unique individuality in the painting.

Painting technique -Geometrical patterns, bold colours with infused vitality, colour
combination with golden background was seen in the painting. The clarity of designs, lines
and feeling is achieved by use of colour like golden yellow, vermillion mixed with cooler
tones of blue and green. The illusion of shining emeralds in the ornaments have been
created by the pieces of iridescent beetle wings are used in the painting for jewels.

b).Nand, Yashoda and Krishna with Kinsmen going to Vrindavan

Name of the painter =Nainsukh

Medium= Tempera on handmade paper

School = Kangra School

Subject matter = An illustration from Bhagwat puran has been depicted with Nand ,
Yashoda and Krishna with kinsmen shown migrating form Gokul to Vrindavan. Gokul
was infested with demons sent by Kansa who tried to harm lord Krishna hence Nanda took
decision to move to a safe place .

Composition = In this painting ,Nand is seen seated on a bullock cart under a dome
shaped canopy drawn by two bulls and driven by cowherd. Another cart follows wherein
,both bothers (Krishna and Balram) and mothers (Yashoda & Rohini) are seated. Men
women and children seen carrying various household items .The cows are realistically
depicted with distinct size of horns, skin colour and other anatomical details.

Techniques = Delicate and thin lines define the contours. The painting has a subtle appeal
as the colours are not too bright and gaudy. The sky blue river behind the line of trees,light
ochre of the ground ,cattle are in earthy colour ,figures painted in bright colours and
intricate details of leaves ,trunks carved beautifully makes the illustration more beautiful.

Answer the following question in own words ;

Q4. Write the main features of Pahari miniature .