Artists worked in Haripur–Guler from the reign of Raja Dalip Singh (1695–1743). Which of the following is true of his son Bishan Singh?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → He died during the lifetime of his father Dalip Singh.
Option (1) He died during the lifetime of his father Dalip Singh. — Correct. Bishan Singh died during his father’s lifetime. So his younger brother Govardhan Chand came to the throne of Guler.
Option (2) He became the greatest patron of the painter Nainsukh. — Incorrect. This is said of Balwant Singh of Jasrota, son of Mian Zoravar Singh. Nainsukh painted him on every possible occasion.
Option (3) He had sons of Manaku and Nainsukh as artists in his court. — Incorrect. This is said of Prakash Chand of Guler, who had Khushala, Fattu and Gaudhu as court artists.
Option (4) He was a generous patron and is often seen painted with his courtiers. — Incorrect. This is said of Aniruddha Chand of Kangra, the son of Sansar Chand.
NCERT (2026-27): “Guler School …Guler appears to have a long tradition of paintings amongst all Pahari schools. There is evidence that artists were working in Haripur–Guler ever since the reign of Dalip Singh (1695–1743) as many of his and his son Bishan Singh’s portraits, dating back to earlier than 1730s, i.e., before the beginning of the Guler–Kangra phase can be found. Bishan Singh died during the lifetime of his father Dalip Singh. So, his younger brother Govardhan Chand ascended to the throne that witnessed a change in painting style.” |