In the Pahari hill states, what was the new style of painting that came in vogue during the 1690s to 1730s referred to as?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Guler–Kangra phase
Option (1) Basohli kalam — Incorrect. This is the style that began at Basohli; its local variations arose as Basohli ateliers spread to Chamba and Kullu.
Option (2) Guler–Kangra phase — Correct. The new style that came in vogue in this period was referred to as the Guler–Kangra phase.
Option (3) Kangra kalam — Incorrect. This is the style into which the new phase finally moulded; its earlier phase is seen at Alampur and its most matured paintings at Nadaun.
Option (4) Garhwal School — Incorrect. This school is linked to the artist Molaram and was influenced by the Kangra style of the Sansar Chand phase.
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.” |