Basohli Paintings

Basohli Paintings

Basohli, situated on the bank of the Ravi River produced magnificent series of manifestations of the supreme goddess called Devi series. The Devi series was bold in execution and iridescent beetles were used in the illustrations as jewels. 

Another notable illustration was the romantic text of Rasamanjari, painted by artist Devidasa under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal (1678-95). Basohli rulers also patronized portrait paintings. 

Gita Govinda, dated 1730, painted, by Manaku, for a patron Malini is believed to have a Basohli origin.

The chief characteristics of the Basohli paintings were geometrical patterns, and use of bold colors to infuse vitality in the paintings. Besides the bold colors, lustrous enamel like colors were also employed. The decorative conventions and dramatic compositions where the figures were shown clad in rich costumes, stylized faces, and large bulging eyes lent unique individuality to these paintings.