The Shangri Ramayana is a well-known set of Pahari paintings from the Kullu Valley. Which of the following is correct about this set?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Its paintings vary from each other in style.
Option (1) It was painted in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. — Incorrect. The set was painted in the last quarter of the seventeenth century, not in the eighteenth century.
Option (2) Its works were influenced by the styles of Basohli and Guler. — Incorrect. The works of the Kullu artists were influenced by the styles of Basohli and Bilaspur. Guler is not named.
Option (3) Its paintings bear the signatures of different artists. — Incorrect. Signed paintings are spoken of for Molaram of the Garhwal School, not for this set. Its artists are only believed to be different.
Option (4) Its paintings vary from each other in style. — Correct. The paintings of this set vary from each other in style, so it is believed that different sets of artists painted them.
NCERT (2026-27): “Basohli School …The Sanskrit epic, Ramayana, was one of the favourite texts of the hill artists at Basohli, as well as, Kullu. This set derives its name from ‘Shangri’, the place of residence of a branch of the Kullu royal family, patrons and formerly possessors of this set. These works of Kullu artists were influenced in varying degrees by the styles of Basohli and Bilaspur.” “Kullu emerged with a distinctive style, where figures had a prominent chin and wide open eyes, and lavish use of grey and terracotta red colours in the background was made. Shangri Ramayana is a well-known set painted in the Kullu Valley in the last quarter of the seventeenth century. Paintings of this set vary from each other in style, and, thus it is believed that these were painted by different sets of artists. …An artist named Molaram is associated with the Garhwal School. Several signed paintings by him have been discovered.” |