Kangra Painting, Background, Features, Significance

Kangra Painting is a famous pictorial type of Pahari art form, which is developed and named after the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, a former princely state which patronized the art form. The major themes of these paintings are nature and Krishna’s life.

Kangra Painting Background

• Kangra Painting developed in the mid-18th century (around 1740–1750 CE) in the hill regions of present-day Himachal Pradesh, after the decline of the Basohli school of painting. It became so influential that the Pahari style later came to be known as Kangra Painting
• It began at Haripur-Guler under the patronage of Raja Govardhan Chand (1744–1773).
• After the invasions of Nadir Shah in 1739 and Ahmad Shah Abdali, many painters who were trained in Mughal style of painting moved from the plains to the hills.
• These artists found support from hill rulers and developed a new painting style influenced by nature.
• Under Parkash Chand (1773–1790), Kangra Painting continued to grow.
• The art reached its peak during the rule of Raja Sansar Chand (1775–1823), the greatest patron of Kangra Painting.
• Famous texts like Gita Govinda, Bhagavata Purana, Bihari’s Sat Sai, the romantic tale of Nala and Damyanti and Keshav Das’Raskapriya and Kavipriya were illustrated during this period.
• Kangra Paintings are known for fine lines, bright colours and detailed work, which were done using thin squirrel-hair brushes.
• The artists usually did not mention their names, showcasing selfless dedication to the art.
• The Kangra Painters used pure red, yellow and blue colours which had maintained their brilliance even after many years.

Read about: Mughal Paintings

Kangra Painting Features

Central Theme

• The main theme of Kangra Painting is love and emotion.
• Love between man and woman is shown through figures like Radha–Krishna and Shiva–Parvati.
• Paintings are lyrical, graceful and full of rhythm and beauty.
• Themes also include seasons, music (ragas) and romantic devotion (bhakti).

Religious and Literary Influence

• Many paintings show stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
• Famous literary works like Gita Govinda, Rasikapriya, Sat Sai, Rasmanjari are painted in detail.
• These paintings reflect religious faith, moral values and cultural awareness.

Depiction of Nature

• Kangra Paintings are famous for lush green landscapes.
• Hills, trees, rivers, streams, birds and animals are shown beautifully.
• Nature is shown as calm, fresh and full of life.

Human Figures and Expression

• Female figures are shown with grace, softness and beauty.
• The Nayika is usually Radha, shown with gentle facial features.
• The Nayak is mostly Krishna, shown with divine charm.
• Hill rulers were sometimes painted as heroic figures or Nayaks.

Use of Colours and Brushwork

• Natural colours made from minerals and plants are used.
• Soft and cool colours create a peaceful and pleasing effect.
• The brushwork is very fine, delicate and smooth.

Artistic Style

• Kangra Paintings are realistic and detailed, showing careful observation.
• Different shades of green are used to show plants and forests.
• Distant hills are painted in soft pink or light colours.

Themes Over Time

• Over time, themes expanded to include night scenes, storms, clouds, and lightning.
• These added depth, mood and emotion to the paintings.

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Kangra Painting Decline and Revival

• Kangra Painting, though culturally important, is facing decline due to urbanisation, modern lifestyle and loss of traditional practices.
• To protect and preserve this art, Kangra Painting was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2012, which recognises its heritage value and supports artisans.
• Today, Kangra Paintings are preserved in museums and collections worldwide, and its global recognition was highlighted in the 2022 G20 Bali Submit, when a Kangra miniature was gifted by the Indian Prime Minister to the US President.

Read about: Miniature Paintings

Kangra Painting Significance

• Kangra Painting is an important part of India’s cultural and artistic heritage.
• It reflects Indian values like love, devotion, beauty of nature and spiritual faith.
• The paintings help us understand the social life, beliefs and traditions of hill regions.
• Kangra art shows a high level of skill in colour use, fine lines and detailed work.
• It connects art with literature by illustrating stories from epics and classical poetry.
• Kangra Painting has influenced later Indian artists and styles.

Its GI tag and global recognition help preserve traditional art and support local artists.