Pahari schools of Painting
The art of miniature painting is one of the finest gifts of India to the art world. 'Pahari' is the popular term coined for the paintings done in the various sub-Himalayan states.
History
Most of the schools of Pahari painting developed and flourished from about 17th to 19th centuries in the present state of Himachal Pradesh. This hilly region, then divided into twenty-two small principalities, was ruled by Rajput kings or chieftains who were all great connoisseurs of art, with and most of them maintaining ateliers.
The Pahari rulers were tributary to the Mughals and they often visited the Imperial court and were familiar with Mughal traditions and tastes. With the decline of the Mughal Empire, many of the painters trained in the refined Mughal style migrated to the Hills.
The landscape of the sub-Himalayan mountain ranges fascinated poets and painters who enjoyed the patronage of the Pahari princes. The ultimate flowering of miniature painting took place in Nurpur, Chamba, Basohli, Guler, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu and Bilaspur.
Spectacular paintings of Radha and Lord Krishna and Jayadev's 'Gita-Govinda' are some of the best instances of Pahari schools of paintings. It is believed that this school of painting had originated from the Mughal style of paintings and flourished due to the patronage of the Rajput rulers. Garhwal School, Kangra School, Guler School, Chamba School and Basohli School are the various kinds of Pahari schools of paintings.
Basholi school of Painting :
It is a general belief that Basohli paintings is among the most ancient school of Pahari paintings. These paintings later developed into the much popular Kangra paintings. The Basohli style of paintings later spread to the hilly regions of Nurpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Nalagarh, Suket, Kulu, Mandi, Chamba, Guler and other places. The town of Basohli is situated on the bank of the Ravi River in Himachal. This town has produced splendid Devi series, magnificent series of the manifestations of the Supreme Goddess. Apart from that, it is also known for the magnificent depiction of the Rasamanjari text. Artist Devidasa painted it under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal. Gita Govinda of 1730 is also believed to have Basohli origin. The most famous painter of this school was Devi Das who was famous for his depiction of Radha Krishana and portraits of Kings in their livery and in white garments. Geometrical patterns, bright colors and glossy enamel characterize Basohli paintings. In those times when the painting culture was in flourish, the painters focused on the lives of the princes, war, hunting etc. they also portrayed love themes like the Radha and the Krishna and the queens of Rajputs.
The earlier paintings included one major art style called the Basholi style of painting in Himachal Pradesh which was named from the area from where it originated. This style became one of the signature styles of the state and contributed a new dimension to the legacy of painting of Himachal Pradesh since the early 17th century. The major characteristics of the Basholi style of paintings were its brightly vibrant coloring which portrayed vital emotions. The paintings were mostly portraits of the local maharajas or of Hindu gods which were the center of the painting.
Guler School of Painting
Guler School of paintings is believed to be the most ancient type of Indian paintings. Legend says that certain Hindu painters who were trained in Mughal style of paintings commenced with this technique after they sought the patronage of the Rajas of the kingdom of Guler. The art palette of Guler artists contains the colours of dawn or the rainbow. It is said that the painters of Guler School of Painting drew portraits and other forms of paintings at the place called Haripur Guler. Generally, the shades of light greens and blues are utilized in such paintings. emes. Due to the influence of Rajputs, the painting style has a distinctive Rajasthani art style .
Kangra School of Painting
After the decline of Mughal empire many artists trained in mughal style migrated to the Kangra region as they got patronage by Raja Goverdhan Singh in 1774. It led to birth of Guler kangra school of Paintings. It first evolved in Guler and then came to Kangra.The school reached its Zeneath under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand at Sujanpur Tira.
Multiple shades of green are used to paint these paintings. The Kangra School of Paintings depict lush greenery through images of trees and plants, foliage, creepers, brooks and rivulets. A delicate appearance is often reflected in these paintings, coupled with a feminine charm. Several Kangra paintings include themes of lightning, storms and clusters of houses. Vegetable and extracts of minerals were used to manufacture the colours of these paintings.
The Themes And The Inspirations
The subjects seen in Pahari paintings exhibit the lifestyle of society of the period. However, the most popular subjects were the legends of the God Krishna. The basic reason for Pahari painting becoming a great art is its inspiration drawn from the vaishnava cult which influenced the Sanskrit and Hindi poets of the 11th to the 16th century. The activity of the Pahari painting continued till the close of the 19th century. The changes in this period reflect degenerating standards because of the prevailing political conditions.
Chamba Schools of Paintings
Chamba School of paintings is famous, especially for their excellent miniature paintings which migrated from Guler to Chamba. Some distinguished painters belonging to this school are Miyan Dara Singh, Durga and Lehru. Folk art was also practiced by the Chamba painters. Chamba paintings portray the themes of Hindu myths like Yashoda, Lord Krishna, 'Gopis', Radha-Krishna and others. For the first time Chamba painting got royal patronage under Raja Udai Singh.
Chamba paintings are quite similar in appearance to Mughal style of paintings, with strong influences of Deccan and Gujarat style also. The late 17th century witnessed Chamba paintings of Himachal being dominated by Basohli style, which ultimately gave way to Guler painting tradition.Nikka was the master artist of Chamba painting.
Arki school of Paintings
Arki was the capital of Baghal state in Shimla Hills. ( present day distt. Solan ). Arki school was infuenced by Basholi school of Paintings but later kangra style was adopted. The paintings of school deal with Shiva Parvati, Krishna legend, Nayak - Nayika themes of Rashikpriya of Keshavdas.
Himachal has not only been blessed by a great natural heritage but also with an extremely vivacious cultural heritage. Himachal is deeply influenced by the culture of Tibet. Apart from this, Himachal also shares its borders with the state of Jammu Kashmir which again has its own very unique culture. Thus, the indigenous culture of Himachal Pradesh has been deeply influenced by these two cultures and hence presents a fusion unparalleled by any.
These artwork sutilize the finest Pahari fine art and has been perfected for more than centuries under the careful and generous imperial patronage.