Basohli gave the first and most dramatic example of painting from the hill states. Which one of the following is the odd one out among the popular themes of Basohli painters?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Nala Damayanti
Option (1) Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta — A Basohli theme. It was the most popular theme of Basohli painters.
Option (2) Bhagvata Purana — A Basohli theme. It was one of the other popular themes at Basohli.
Option (3) Ragamala — A Basohli theme. It too was a popular theme at Basohli.
Option (4) Nala Damayanti — Not a Basohli theme. It is named among the popular themes of the Kangra style, not of Basohli.
NCERT (2026-27): “Basohli School The first and most dramatic example of work from the hill states is from Basohli. …The most popular theme of Basohli painters was the Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta. In 1694–95, Devida, a tarkhan (carpenter–painter), did a magnificent series for his patron Kirpal Pal. Bhagvata Purana and Ragamala were other popular themes.…” “Kangra School …Most popular themes that were painted were the Bhagvata Purana, Gita Govinda, Nala Damayanti, Bihari Satsai, Ragamala and Baramasa.…” |