What town is associated with the pre-Kangra phase in the evolution of Pahari Schools of Painting?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Guler
Option (1) Guler — Correct. The pre-Kangra or Guler–Kangra phase first appeared in Guler, where Pandit Seu and his sons changed the course of painting.
Option (2) Basohli — Incorrect. Basohli is the starting point. Its bold style came before this phase.
Option (3) Jammu — Incorrect. Jammu is named among the Pahari centres, but not with the pre-Kangra phase.
Option (4) Kangra — Incorrect. Kangra is the mature stage that the pre-Kangra phase led up to.
NCERT (2026-27): “Guler School The first quarter of the eighteenth century saw a complete transformation in the Basohli style, initiating the Guler–Kangra phase. This phase first appeared in Guler, a high-ranking branch of the Kangra royal family, under the patronage of Raja Govardhan Chand (1744–1773). 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.” |