Kangra School
Explanation
The development of the Pahari School of painting in the Himalayan foothills was significantly influenced by the political disintegration of the Mughal Empire. The decline of the central authority in Delhi led to a dispersal of court artists to regional kingdoms.
Detailed Analysis:
- Kangra School (Correct): In the mid-eighteenth century, particularly after Nadir Shah's invasion of Delhi in 1739, the Mughal court lost its vitality and wealth. Many Mughal artists migrated to the Himalayan foothills (Pahari region) seeking patronage. They were initially received in Guler and later flourished in Kangra under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand. This migration introduced the refinement, naturalism, and delicate coloring of the Mughal style to the emotional and lyrical themes of the hills, resulting in the distinct Kangra School of painting.
- Basohli School: This is the earliest known school of Pahari painting. It flourished before the major influx of Mughal artists in the mid-18th century. It is characterized by bold primary colors and vigorous lines, distinct from the delicate naturalism of the later Kangra style.
- Mewar and Bundi Schools: These are sub-schools of Rajasthani painting, located in the plains of Rajasthan, not the Himalayan foothills. They developed independently of the specific migration to the hills.
Key Takeaway:
The Kangra School represents the zenith of Pahari painting, born from the fusion of Mughal technique (brought by migrating artists) and Vaishnavite themes (local literary and religious traditions).