The most popular theme of Basohli painters was the Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta. Which other themes were popular with Basohli painters?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Bhagvata Purana and Ragamala
Option (1) Gita Govinda and Bihari Satsai — Incorrect. These are named among the most popular themes of the Kangra style.
Option (2) Nala Damayanti and Baramasa — Incorrect. These too are named among the popular themes of the Kangra style.
Option (3) Shaivite subjects and Krishna Lila — Incorrect. These were painted in Mandi, whose rulers were ardent worshippers of Vishnu and Shiva.
Option (4) Bhagvata Purana and Ragamala — Correct. Besides the Rasamanjari, the Bhagvata Purana and Ragamala were other popular themes of Basohli painters.
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.…” “Kangra School …Most popular themes that were painted were the Bhagvata Purana, Gita Govinda, Nala Damayanti, Bihari Satsai, Ragamala and Baramasa.…” “Kangra School …Rulers of Mandi were ardent worshippers of Vishnu and Shiva. Hence, apart from the Krishna Lila themes, Shaivite subjects were also painted.…” |