Hasan Art Studio HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (Question Bank) Session 2023-24

Multiple choice Questions: (for 1 mark).

1) Who painted the famous miniature – painting of the Pahari School (Kangra Sub-school) ‘Nand,
Yashoda and Krishna with Kinsmen Going to Vrindavana’, which is included in your course of study?

(i) Manaku (ii) Purkhoo

(iii) Fattoo (iv) Nainsukh
2) Mention the title of painting done by Painter Nainsukh of the Pahari School?
(i) Nand, Yashoda and Krishnawith Kinsmen going to Vrindavan
(ii) Radha and Krishna
(iii) Krishna with Gopis
(iv) Maru Ragini
3) On which mythological book, the famous miniature painting Nand, Yashoda and Krishna with
Kinsmen going to Vrindavan is based?
(i) Geet Govinda (ii) Ramayana
(iii) Bhagwat Purana (iv) Rasikpriya
4) Select the Golden Age of Kangra school:
(i) 1550 to 1660 A.D. (ii) 1680 to 1725 A.D.
(iii) 1730 to 1857 A.D. (iv) 1786 to 1805 A.D.
5) In which its sub school the famous miniature painting of the Pahari school ‘Krishna with Gopis’ is
made:
(i) Guler Sub school (ii) Garwal Sub School
(iii) Kangra Sub school (iv) Basohli Sub School
6) Pahari style was mainly influenced by -
(i) Mughal style and Rajasthani style (ii) Worldly style (Sansarikashwarye)
(iii) Inspired by luxuty (iv) Bengal Style
7) In which sub-school are the eyes of women made in the Kangra style?
(i) Big eyes (ii) As a fish style
(iii) Like parwal (iv) Om the form of bow/long and narrow.
8) The most popular theme of Basohli painters was-
(i) Rasmanjri (ii) Raagmala
(iii) Ramayan (iv) Mahabharata
9) Who was the father of Manaku and Nainsukh?
(i) Balwant (ii) Pandit Seu
(iii) Manohar (iv) Sahib Ram
10) In which Pahari painting Krishna is surrounded by eight gopis who are expressing their love and
emotion towards him.
(i) Krishna Lila (ii) Radha and Krishna
(iii) Krishna with Gopies (iv) Krishna Dancing

Answers: 1)- (iv) 2)- (i) 3)- (iii) 4)- (iii) 5)- (iv) 6)- (i) 7) -(iv) 8)- (i) 9)- (ii), 10)- (iii).
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Hasan Art Studio HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (Question Bank) Session 2023-24

Short Answer (Answer to be written for each is about 100 words).

1.Evaluate the compositional – arrangement of the following artworks from each part, duly based on
the aesthetic-parameters briefly:
• Krishna with Gopis (Pahari School)

(Or)
2. Identify any one relevant painting of the Pahari School included in your course of study
Comprising of the following features and explain them in the painting accordingly.
• This master piece Based on Geeta Govinda by Jayadeva. Krishna is surrounded by eight gopis who
are expressing their love and emotion towards him.

(Or)
3. In this miniature painting, along with the decorative pattern of nature, there is a devotional depiction
of the selfless love of Lord Shri Krishna and Gopis. All the Gopis are expressing their reverence and love
in different ways.
• Identify the painting and describe its artistic features in your own words.

Answer:
The composition of "Krishna with Gopis" by Manaku from the Basohli sub-school of the Pahari
School is a masterful depiction based on the Geet Govinda by Jayadeva. The artist's skill is evident in the
arrangement of elements and adherence to aesthetic parameters. The central theme of Krishna's lila with
Gopis is dynamically portrayed, with Krishna at the center, surrounded by eight Gopis expressing their
love. The use of profile faces, sloping heads, lotus-petal eyes, and sharp noses in all figures reflects a
consistent and traditional style.

The color palette, featuring dark blue for Krishna and vibrant colors in the background, creates visual
contrast. The inclusion of decorative trees, especially the two on the left with geometrically patterned
leaves, adds ornamental richness. The foreground, depicting the narrow stretch of the Yamuna, provides
depth to the narrative. Overall, Manaku's composition skillfully balances narrative depth, figurative
elements, and vibrant colors within the cultural and literary context of Geet Govinda, making it a
harmonious and aesthetically pleasing artwork.

2. In this painting, Nanda is seen leading the group on the bullock cart and is followed by another bullock
cart.
• Identify and name the painting and describe its artistic features in your own words.

(Or)
4. Identify any one relevant painting of the Pahari School included in your course of study
Comprising of the following features and explain them in the painting accordingly.

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Hasan Art Studio HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (Question Bank) Session 2023-24

• This painting is an Episode from Bhagwat Purana. Depicts Nanda with his family and relatives,
travelling to Vrindavana.

Answer:
The painting "Nand Yashoda and Krishna with Kinsmen Going to Vrindavana" by Nainsukh, dating
back to 1785-90 AD, is a remarkable example of Pahari School art. This masterpiece draws inspiration
from the Bhagavata Purana, portraying the journey of Nanda, Yashoda, Krishna, and their kinsmen from
Gokul to Vrindavana.

The composition skillfully captures the narrative:

Bhagavata Purana Episode: The painting depicts a specific episode from the Bhagavata Purana,
showcasing the cultural and religious richness of the Pahari School.

Nanda Leading the Group: Nanda is prominently featured, leading the group on a bullock cart. His central
position emphasizes his role as a key figure in the narrative.

Realistic Depiction of Cows: The inclusion of realistically depicted cows adds authenticity to the scene,
highlighting the pastoral lifestyle and Krishna's connection with cattle.

Natural Landscape Background: The background features a natural landscape, skillfully portraying trees
with detailed trunks and leaves. This adds depth and context to the journey.

Daily Life Scenes: The painting incorporates scenes of men and women carrying household items, along
with children. This attention to daily life details enriches the narrative and provides a glimpse into the
community's activities.

Nainsukh's use of watercolor with tempera technique enhances the vibrancy of the scene. Overall, this
painting is a testament to the Pahari School's ability to blend religious narratives with intricate details of
daily life, creating a visually captivating and culturally significant artwork.

Long Answer (Answer to be written in 200 words): for 6 marks.

1. Identify any relevant painting included in your course of study comprising of the following features
and explain them in that painting accordingly:
• Depiction of the Krishna-Lila themes in abundance in the Pahari miniature paintings.

Answer:
The composition of the painting "Krishna with Gopis" by Manaku from the Pahari School,
specifically the Basohli sub-school, can be evaluated based on various aesthetic parameters:

Subject Matter and Narrative:

The choice of subject matter, depicting Krishna's lila with Gopis on the banks of the river Yamuna, is
derived from the Geet Govinda by Jayadeva. This adds a rich cultural and literary dimension to the
artwork.

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Hasan Art Studio HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (Question Bank) Session 2023-24

Figurative Representation:

The artist, Manaku, skillfully presents Krishna and the Gopis with distinctive features such as profile faces,
sloping heads, lotus-petal eyes, and sharp noses. This adherence to traditional iconography adds a sense
of authenticity to the portrayal.

Color Palette:
The use of watercolors and tempera technique contributes to a vibrant and harmonious color palette.
Krishna is depicted in a dark blue color with a yellow Dhoti, creating a visually striking contrast. The
background with orange flare and multi-colored trees enhances the overall visual appeal.

Composition and Arrangement:

The arrangement of the figures is dynamic, with Krishna at the center, surrounded by eight Gopis
expressing their love and emotions. This central composition draws the viewer's attention and emphasizes
the theme of divine love.

Background Elements:
The inclusion of different trees in decorative patterns, especially the two big trees on the left with
geometrically patterned leaves, adds a decorative and ornamental quality to the background. This
enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the artwork.

Foreground and River Yamuna:

The narrow stretch of the river Yamuna in the foreground not only provides a contextual setting but also
adds depth to the composition. The inclusion of the river enhances the narrative by connecting the scene
to the banks of the Yamuna.

Cultural Context:
The adherence to traditional iconography and the use of a well-known literary source (Geet Govinda)
places the artwork within a cultural and historical context, adding depth and meaning to the composition.

In summary, the composition of "Krishna with Gopis" by Manaku reflects a harmonious blend of
narrative depth, figurative skill, vibrant colors, and a well-balanced arrangement of elements. The
adherence to cultural and literary references further elevates the aesthetic value of the artwork.

2. Discuss the following points in detail through a critical article on the Pahari Miniature school:
• Origin and Development of Pahari Painting School.
• Discuss about two Sub-school of Pahari painting
• Salient features of the Pahari School.

(Or)
3. Write an essay on The Origin and Development of The Pahari School of Miniature Painting.

Answer:

The Pahari Miniature School of painting, originating from the Himalayan hilly kingdoms of North
India during the 17th to 19th centuries, is a distinctive and culturally rich artistic tradition. Originating

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Hasan Art Studio HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (Question Bank) Session 2023-24

from regions such as Basohli, Mankot, Nurpur, Chamba, Kangra, Guler, Mandi, and Garhwal, this school is
also known as Kangra style or Kangra Kalam.

Origin and Development:

The Pahari School flourished in the mountainous regions, with its roots traced back to the 17th century.
The early style emanated from Basohli, with Kangra later evolving as the most developed sub-school.
Influences from Gujarat, Mughal, Rajasthani, and Deccan schools are discernible. Notable scholars like
B.N. Goswami and A.K. Swami have contributed to the understanding of this school. Artists were given
the freedom to choose themes, resulting in diverse subject matter.

Sub-schools:

Basohli: Emerged in the 17th century, characterized by a mix of local folk tradition and Mughal elements.
Raja Sangram Pal's adoption of Vaishnavism influenced themes like "Rasmanjari" and depictions of
Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kangra: The Kangra sub-school reached its peak in the 18th to 19th centuries. Characterized by delicacy
of lines, brilliant colors, and a focus on themes like Bhagwat Purana, Gita Govinda, and romantic
narratives. Artists like Manaku and Nainsukh made significant contributions.

Guler: Emerging in the early 18th century, the Guler style transformed from Basohli and later mixed with
Kangra. Artists like Pandit Seu, Manaku, and Nainsukh played pivotal roles. The Guler style is known as
pre-Kangra Kalam.

Salient Features:

Delicacy of Lines: The paintings are marked by intricate and delicate lines, showcasing the artists' skill in
detailed renderings.

Brilliance of Colors: Bright and vibrant colors, often depicting strong contrasts, contribute to the visual
appeal.

Bhakti Movement Influence: Many paintings reflect themes inspired by the Bhakti Movement, expressing
devotion and love for divine figures.

Depiction of Nature: The paintings often include natural landscapes, with meticulous details of trees,
trunks, and leaves.

Themes: Varied themes such as Rasmanjari, Ramayana, Mahabharata, romantic narratives,

Nayak&Nayika-Bheda, and religious texts like Bhagwat Purana.

In conclusion, the Pahari Miniature School is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Himalayan
region, blending artistic finesse with diverse themes and influences from neighboring artistic traditions.
The sub-schools of Basohli, Kangra, and Guler each contribute unique characteristics, making Pahari
paintings a significant chapter in Indian art history.

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