The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The 'Shangri Ramayana' is a celebrated set of paintings from the Pahari School, specifically associated with the Kulu style (sometimes linked to Bahu or Jammu). Dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, these paintings represent an early phase of Pahari art, characterized by bold imagination and distinct stylistic conventions that differ from the later, more refined Kangra style.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: In the painting 'Rama and Lakshmana following sage Vishvamitra to the forest', the artist depicts a dense forest environment. A notable feature of this work is the representation of animals stealthily prowling behind the trees. This specific compositional element is recognized for adding an element of mystery and liveliness to the narrative scene.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The animals in the Shangri Ramayana are not depicted in a highly realistic European style. Instead, they follow the indigenous conventions of the Pahari school, which are stylized, symbolic, and often whimsical, rather than anatomically precise or naturalistic in the Western sense.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Shangri Ramayana does not belong to the mature Kangra style. It is an example of the early Pahari style (Kulu), which utilizes bold, intense colors (such as mustard yellows and deep reds) and vigorous lines. The mature Kangra style, which developed later (late 18th century), is distinguished by its lyrical lines, naturalism, and the use of soft pastel shades.
Key Takeaway:
The Shangri Ramayana represents the Kulu style of Pahari painting, known for its folk-like simplicity and bold colors, distinct from the delicate lines and soft pastel palette of the later Kangra school.