Why were fewer paintings done in Kangra until 1786?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → It remained under the Mughals
Option (1) The Gurkhas had besieged the Kangra fort — Incorrect. The Gurkhas besieged the Kangra fort around 1805, long after 1786. It hit painting then, not before 1786.
Option (2) Its artists worked in the atelier at Guler — Incorrect. Guler artists moved to Kangra: Manaku and his sons took service under Sansar Chand.
Option (3) It remained under the Mughals — Correct. Kangra remained under the Mughals till 1786, and later the Sikhs, so less painting was done there.
Option (4) Its capital had shifted to Nadaun — Incorrect. It was Sansar Chand who shifted to Nadaun later in his life; this did not keep painting out of Kangra before 1786.
NCERT (2026-27): “Kangra School …An earlier phase of Kangra kalam paintings is witnessed in Alampur and the most matured paintings were painted at Nadaun, where Sansar Chand shifted later in his life. All these centres were on the banks of river Beas. Alampur along with river Beas can be recognised in some paintings. Less number of paintings was done in Kangra as it remained under the Mughals till 1786, and later, the Sikhs.” |