Seated Raja

The art of painting in Kangra originated in a small hill state 'Guler' in the Lower Himalayas in the first half of the 18th century. Kangra paintings belong to the school of Pahari paintings that were patronied by the Rajput rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries. During the same period, the Deccani Miniature painting school flourished in south India. The Kangra painters used colours made of vegetable and mineral extracts. Kangra paintings are known for the lyrical blending of form and colour. The style is naturalistic, and great attention is paid to detail. The Raja is seen in this painting seated under a canopy, in discussion with a noble man and Jogin with a Tanpura. The clothes of the Raja, noble man and Jogin are distinct and indicative of their status.