What was the most popular theme among Basohli painters?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta
Option (1) Bhagvata Purana — Incorrect. Basohli artists painted it, but only as one of the other popular themes.
Option (2) Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta — Correct. The Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta was the most popular Basohli theme.
Option (3) Gita Govinda of Jayadeva — Incorrect. Manak painted his most outstanding Gita Govinda set at Guler, not Basohli.
Option (4) Portraits of local kings — Incorrect. Basohli artists also painted portraits of local kings, but these were not the most popular theme.
NCERT (2026-27): “Basohli School …The most popular theme of Basohli painters was the Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta. In 1694–95, Devida, a tarkhan (carpenter–painter), did a magnificent series for his patron Kirpal Pal. Bhagvata Purana and Ragamala were other popular themes. Artists also painted portraits of local kings with their consorts, courtiers, astrologers, mendicants, …” “Guler School …Manak’s most outstanding work is a set of Gita Govinda painted in 1730 at Guler, retaining some of the elements of the Basohli style, most strikingly the lavish use of beetle’s wing casings.” |