Pahari Paintings : Guler Kangra Style

Pahari Paintings : Guler Kangra Style

In a span of one and a half centuries, around 1800, dramatic changes in the painting traditions led to the development of mature Guler- Kangra style. The decorative and stylized treatment of various motifs in flat, and cut out forms became more naturalistic in the new style. 

The difference was visible in the treatment of eyes and modeling of the face. This painting style introduced naturalistic landscapes. 

The illustrated Gita Govinda, from this genre, showed landscapes, and used shading. Scholars noted that the shading device appeared all over the grassy plains of the several paintings of the series. However, this feature was absent in the earlier Pahari paintings. 

The other significant development of this period was the emphasis on the graciousness and feminity of Indian women. The facial types of women were well modeled and shaded so judiciously that it provided porcelain like delicacy. 



Guler

Painting in Guler began earnestly in the 18th century. The family of Pandit Seu was well noted for their fine body of work. Ramayana dated 1720 and a series of collection in Reitberg Museum were few of his classic work. His work laid the foundation of the Kangra style, which was evolved and refined, from the artists of his family subsequently.