Under Raja Kirpal Pal, Basohli developed a distinctive and magnificent style. Which of the following is described as the most significant characteristic of Basohli painting?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Small, shiny green particles of beetle wings simulating emeralds
Option (1) Raised white paint imitating pearls in ornaments — Incorrect. Raised white paint is a Basohli feature, but it only imitates pearls. It is not named the most significant characteristic.
Option (2) Small, shiny green particles of beetle wings simulating emeralds — Correct. The use of green beetle-wing particles to show jewellery and give the effect of emeralds is called the most significant characteristic.
Option (3) Warm yellows filling the background and horizon — Incorrect. Warm yellows in the background and horizon are part of the strong Basohli palette, not its most significant mark.
Option (4) Stylised treatment of vegetation — Incorrect. Stylised vegetation is one of the listed features, not the most significant one.
NCERT (2026-27): “Basohli School …The first and most dramatic example of work from the hill states is from Basohli. From 1678 to 1695, Kirpal Pal, an enlightened prince, ruled the state. Under him, Basohli developed a distinctive and magnificent style. It is characterised by a strong use of primary colours and warm yellows — filling the background and horizon, stylised treatment of vegetation and raised white paint for imitating the representation of pearls in ornaments. However, the most significant characteristic of Basohli painting is the use of small, shiny green particles of beetle wings to delineate jewellery and simulate the effect of emeralds.…” |