In the Guler School, portraits dating back to earlier than the 1730s show that artists were working in Haripur–Guler ever since the reign of which ruler?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Dalip Singh
Option (1) Govardhan Chand — Incorrect. Govardhan Chand was Dalip Singh’s younger son. He came to the throne later, and his reign saw a change in painting style.
Option (2) Dalip Singh — Correct. Portraits of Dalip Singh and his son from before the 1730s show that artists worked at Haripur–Guler from his reign (1695–1743).
Option (3) Bishan Singh — Incorrect. Bishan Singh’s portraits are part of this evidence. But he died during his father’s lifetime and did not come to the throne.
Option (4) Balwant Singh — Incorrect. Balwant Singh was a prince of Jasrota and Nainsukh’s greatest patron, not a ruler of Guler.
NCERT (2026-27): “Guler School …Guler appears to have a long tradition of paintings amongst all Pahari schools. There is evidence that artists were working in Haripur–Guler ever since the reign of Dalip Singh (1695–1743) as many of his and his son Bishan Singh’s portraits, dating back to earlier than 1730s, i.e., before the beginning of the Guler–Kangra phase can be found. Bishan Singh died during the lifetime of his father Dalip Singh. So, his younger brother Govardhan Chand ascended to the throne that witnessed a change in painting style.” |