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Chapter 5 of 8
Chapter Summary

The Pahari Schools of Painting

CBSE · Class 12 · Fine Arts

Summary of The Pahari Schools of Painting for CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts. Key concepts, important points, and chapter overview.

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A geographical map highlighting the locations of various Pahari painting centers in the Western Himalayas, including Basohli, Guler, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Mankot, Nurpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Jammu.
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Overview

Pahari painting refers to the painting traditions that grew in the hilly regions of the western Himalayas from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. The broad development moved from the bold Basohli manner to the refined Guler or pre-Kangra phase and then to the poetic Kangra style. These paint

Key Concepts

Pahari means hilly or mountainous

Pahari means hilly or mountainous in origin. The painting centres grew in hill areas such as Basohli, Guler, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Mankot, Nurpur, Ma

Pahari painting is broadly grouped into

Pahari painting is broadly grouped into three styles: Basohli, Guler, and Kangra. These are best understood as major phases or centres of artistic gro

Basohli is the earliest Pahari pictorial

Basohli is the earliest Pahari pictorial style and is flamboyantly bold. It developed magnificently under Kirpal Pal, who ruled Basohli from 1678 to 1

The most popular theme of Basohli

The most popular theme of Basohli painters was Rasamanjari by Bhanu Datta. Other themes included Bhagvata Purana and Ragamala. Devida, a tarkhan or ca

A new style called the Guler

A new style called the Guler-Kangra phase came into vogue during the 1690s to 1730s. It emerged as Basohli style gradually transformed into a softer,

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning and historical spread of Pahari painting
  • Identify the three broad styles: Basohli, Guler, and Kangra
  • Recognise the role of important patrons and artist families
  • Explain the distinctive features of Basohli, Guler-Kangra, and Kangra styles
  • Recall major themes such as Rasamanjari, Gita Govinda, Bhagvata Purana, Ramayana, Ashta Nayikas, and Baramasa

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Pahari Schools of Painting for CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts?
Key topics in The Pahari Schools of Painting include Evolution of Pahari Schools Timeline, Pahari Schools of Painting - Complete Overview, Pahari Schools Overview. These are the concepts CBSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in The Pahari Schools of Painting — CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 69 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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