How is the Guler–Kangra kalam of Pahari painting described when compared with the Basohli style?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Refined, subdued and elegant
Option (1) Bold and vigorous — Incorrect. This describes the bold Basohli style itself, with which the new style is compared.
Option (2) Refined, subdued and elegant — Correct. Pandit Seu and his sons changed painting to a style more refined, subdued and elegant than Basohli.
Option (3) Vibrant colours with dainty figures — Incorrect. Nurpur artists kept the vibrant colours of Basohli with the dainty figure types of Kangra.
Option (4) Lavish in grey and terracotta red — Incorrect. Lavish use of grey and terracotta red in the background marks the Kullu style.
NCERT (2026-27): “Guler School …Guler artist Pandit Seu with his sons Manak and Nainsukh are attributed with changing the course of painting around 1730–40 to a new style, usually, referred to as the pre–Kangra or Guler–Kangra kalam. This style is more refined, subdued and elegant compared to the bold vitality of the Basohli style. Though initiated by Manak, also called Manaku, his brother Nainsukh, who became the court painter of Raja Balwant Singh of Jasrota, is responsible for shaping the Guler School emphatically.” |