Which painter did a magnificent series for his patron Kirpal Pal of Basohli in 1694–95?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Devida
Option (1) Devida — Correct. Devida, a tarkhan or carpenter–painter, did the series for Kirpal Pal.
Option (2) Pandit Seu — Incorrect. Pandit Seu was the Guler artist who, with his sons Manak and Nainsukh, is credited with changing the course of painting around 1730–40.
Option (3) Nainsukh — Incorrect. Nainsukh became the court painter of Raja Balwant Singh of Jasrota.
Option (4) Manak — Incorrect. Manak, also called Manaku, initiated the new Guler style that his brother Nainsukh later shaped.
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.” “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.” |