A new style of Pahari painting, referred to as the Guler–Kangra phase, came in vogue during the 1690s to 1730s. Which of the following marked the work of the artists of this phase?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Experimentation and improvisations
Option (1) Delicacy of line and brilliance of colour — Incorrect. These are features of the mature Kangra style, the most poetic and lyrical of Indian styles. They are not what the artists of the earlier Guler–Kangra phase are known for.
Option (2) Experimentation and improvisations — Correct. Artists of the Guler–Kangra phase took to experimentation and improvisations, and this work finally moulded into the Kangra style.
Option (3) Styles varying between artist sets — Incorrect. This is said of the Shangri Ramayana of Kullu, whose paintings vary in style. It is not named for the Guler–Kangra phase.
Option (4) Vibrant palette and elegance — Incorrect. These mark Basohli painting, which shares them with the Chaurpanchashika group of Western India. The Guler–Kangra phase is a later, new style.
NCERT (2026-27): “Basohli School …While artist ateliers from Basohli, gradually, spread to other hill states, such as Chamba and Kullu, giving rise to local variations of the Basohli kalam. A new style of painting came in vogue during 1690s to 1730s, which was referred to as the Guler–Kangra phase. Artists during this period indulged in experimentation and improvisations that finally resulted and moulded into the Kangra style.…” |