NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 5: The Pahari Schools of Painting

mcqeasy

In the context of Pahari paintings, what does the term 'Kalam' refer to?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe border decoration technique
BThe type of paper used
CThe brush used for painting
DA specific style or school of painting

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is A specific style or school of painting.

Explanation

Pahari painting is a collective term for the various schools of Indian miniature painting that originated in the Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India. The terminology used within these traditions often reflects Persian and Mughal influences.

Analysis:

The word 'Kalam' literally translates to "pen" or "brush" in Persian and Urdu.
However, in the specific context of Indian miniature paintings (including Pahari, Rajasthani, and Mughal traditions), the term is used to denote a specific style or school of painting.
It distinguishes the unique techniques, aesthetic characteristics, and regional variations of a particular workshop or area. For instance, scholars refer to the Kangra Kalam (Kangra style) or the Basohli Kalam (Basohli style) to differentiate between these regional sub-schools.

Key Takeaway: In the context of Indian art history, 'Kalam' is synonymous with a distinct style or school of painting (e.g., Kangra Kalam), rather than the physical tool used.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: The Pahari Schools of Painting

Which of the following pairs of Pahari artists and their patrons is correctly matched? 1. Devida : Kirpal Pal 2. Nainsukh : Balwant Singh 3. Manaku : Sansar Chand (later service) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to the origins of the Pahari Schools of Painting, consider the following statements: 1. The Pahari style began at Basohli with a coarsely flamboyant style and matured into the sophisticated Kangra style. 2. Unlike Rajasthani and Mughal schools, Pahari paintings are easily classified based on distinct territorial boundaries. 3. The earliest prevailing pictorial language in the hills is generally understood to be the Basohli-like style. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors is considered by art historians to be chiefly responsible for the shaping of the Pahari style of painting?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Basohli School of painting: 1. It flourished under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand in the late 19th century. 2. A distinctive feature is the use of small, shiny green particles of beetle wings to simulate emeralds in jewellery. 3. The style is characterized by the use of strong primary colours and warm yellows. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following texts was the most popular theme for the painters of the Basohli School?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is A specific style or school of painting.

Explanation

Analysis:

The word 'Kalam' literally translates to "pen" or "brush" in Persian and Urdu.
However, in the specific context of Indian miniature paintings (including Pahari, Rajasthani, and Mughal traditions), the term is used to denote a specific style or school of painting.
It distinguishes the unique techniques, aesthetic characteristics, and regional variations of a particular workshop or area. For instance, scholars refer to the Kangra Kalam (Kangra style) or the Basohli Kalam (Basohli style) to differentiate between these regional sub-schools.

Key Takeaway: In the context of Indian art history, 'Kalam' is synonymous with a distinct style or school of painting (e.g., Kangra Kalam), rather than the physical tool used.