While traditional Indian art has many different types of miniature artwork. One of them stands out for its level of intricacy, expressive faces of characters, poetically contorted figures and unique composition. This is the Indian Pahari Artwork.
You would see these little delights on antique jewellery boxes, small tiles or miniature tapestries. You can trace Indian Pahari artwork back to the early 17th century. These miniature paintings, full of intricate details, were made in northern Indian areas like Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Punjab.
Mughal Paintings actually influenced some motifs and elements in Pahari compositions. However, it was the Rajput Rulers of North India who patronised this art form. The themes and scenes of these paintings were based on the life of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. Along with this, poetic scenes from the Epic Mahabharata were also famous subjects.
Pahari Artwork is divided into 2 styles because of the difference in painting techniques. The first is the Basholi style which had vivid colours and stark compositions. The second is the Kangra style which has calmer colours that look like they have been neutralised to form a “colour correction” effect.
Both the Basholi and Kangra styles further branch out into many more styles. India had many ancient art schools that taught artisans these painting styles. One such example was the Basholi School of Pahari paintings that started around 1690. Today, you may have to attend modern art schools in India to specialise in this art form. But, you could still find folk artists who have passed on the skill through generations in their families.
Today, Indian Pahari Artwork in museums tell the stories of holy Hindu texts, kings and scenes from famous Indian poetry. Digital Illustrations of Pahari Artwork can easily cater to brand campaigns. That is to say, this old folk art tradition has found a way to enter the scope of digital art and design.
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