Though the pre–Kangra or Guler–Kangra kalam was initiated by Manak, who is responsible for shaping the Guler School emphatically?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Nainsukh
Option (1) Purkhu — Incorrect. Purkhu is named among the important painters of the Kangra style, not of the Guler School.
Option (2) Nainsukh — Correct. Nainsukh, Manak’s brother and court painter of Raja Balwant Singh of Jasrota, shaped the Guler School emphatically.
Option (3) Pandit Seu — Incorrect. Pandit Seu was the father of Manak and Nainsukh. He is credited with them for changing the course of painting, not with shaping the school.
Option (4) Fattu — Incorrect. Fattu was one of the sons of Manaku and Nainsukh, and a Kangra painter.
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.” |