In the Pahari hill states, a new style of painting came in vogue during the 1690s to 1730s. The experimentation and improvisations of the artists of this period finally moulded into which style?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Kangra style
Option (1) Basohli style — Incorrect. The Pahari style began at Basohli and spread to other hill states; the new phase moved on from it.
Option (2) Kangra style — Correct. The artists of this period experimented and improvised, and this finally moulded into the Kangra style.
Option (3) Kullu style — Incorrect. Kullu had its own style with a prominent chin, wide open eyes and grey and terracotta red backgrounds; an offshoot of Basohli continued there.
Option (4) Nurpur style — Incorrect. Nurpur artists kept the vibrant colours of Basohli with the dainty figure types of Kangra; they took from the Kangra style after it had matured.
NCERT (2026-27): “A new style of painting came in vogue during 1690s to 1730s, which was referred to as the Guler–Kangra phase. Artists during this period indulged in experimentation and improvisations that finally resulted and moulded into the Kangra style. Hence, originating in Basohli, the style gradually spread to other hill states of Mankot, Nurpur, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Chamba, Guler and Kangra.” |