With reference to the 'Gita Govinda' series painted by Manak in 1730, consider the following statements: 1. It was painted at Guler. 2. It completely abandoned the use of beetle’s wing casings found in earlier styles. 3. It represents a transition from the Basohli style towards the Guler style. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation The question pertains to the characteristics and stylistic evolution of the 'Gita Govinda' series of paintings by Manak, specifically its relationship with the Basohli and Guler schools of Pahari painting. Statement-wise Analysis 1. Statement 1: It was painted at Guler. - Incorrect. The 'Gita Govinda' series by Manak (also known as Manaku) from 1730 was painted at Basohli, not Guler. Manak was a prominent artist of the Basohli school. 2. Statement 2: It completely abandoned the use of beetle’s wing casings found in earlier styles. - Correct. The Basohli style, particularly in its earlier phases, was known for its vibrant colours and the use of beetle wing casings (often for jewellery or ornamentation) to create a shimmering effect. Manak's 'Gita Govinda' series, while retaining some Basohli characteristics, marked a departure from this specific technique, moving towards a more refined aesthetic. 3. Statement 3: It represents a transition from the Basohli style towards the Guler style. - Incorrect. While Manak's work, including the 'Gita Govinda' series, shows a refinement of the Basohli style and a move towards a softer palette and more naturalistic depiction, it is not considered a direct transition to the Guler style. The Guler style, which emerged later, was characterized by a greater emphasis on naturalism, delicate drawing, and a subdued colour palette, often attributed to artists like Nainsukh (Manak's younger brother) and his family. Manak's work is still firmly rooted in the Basohli tradition, albeit a more evolved form of it. Key Takeaway Manak's 'Gita Govinda' series of 1730, painted at Basohli, is notable for its abandonment of beetle wing casings, representing an evolution within the Basohli style rather than a direct transition to the Guler style.

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the 'Gita Govinda' series painted by Manak in 1730, consider the following statements:

It was painted at Guler.
It completely abandoned the use of beetle’s wing casings found in earlier styles.
It represents a transition from the Basohli style towards the Guler style.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1, 2 and 3
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only

Explanation

The question pertains to the characteristics and stylistic evolution of the 'Gita Govinda' series of paintings by Manak, specifically its relationship with the Basohli and Guler schools of Pahari painting.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: It was painted at Guler.
- Incorrect. The 'Gita Govinda' series by Manak (also known as Manaku) from 1730 was painted at Basohli, not Guler. Manak was a prominent artist of the Basohli school.
Statement 2: It completely abandoned the use of beetle’s wing casings found in earlier styles.
- Correct. The Basohli style, particularly in its earlier phases, was known for its vibrant colours and the use of beetle wing casings (often for jewellery or ornamentation) to create a shimmering effect. Manak's 'Gita Govinda' series, while retaining some Basohli characteristics, marked a departure from this specific technique, moving towards a more refined aesthetic.
Statement 3: It represents a transition from the Basohli style towards the Guler style.
- Incorrect. While Manak's work, including the 'Gita Govinda' series, shows a refinement of the Basohli style and a move towards a softer palette and more naturalistic depiction, it is not considered a direct transition to the Guler style. The Guler style, which emerged later, was characterized by a greater emphasis on naturalism, delicate drawing, and a subdued colour palette, often attributed to artists like Nainsukh (Manak's younger brother) and his family. Manak's work is still firmly rooted in the Basohli tradition, albeit a more evolved form of it.

Key Takeaway

Manak's 'Gita Govinda' series of 1730, painted at Basohli, is notable for its abandonment of beetle wing casings, representing an evolution within the Basohli style rather than a direct transition to the Guler style.

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:

medium

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?

medium

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

medium

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?

medium

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

easy

Keep practising Chapter 5: The Pahari Schools of Painting

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture chapters

The correct option is 2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: It was painted at Guler.
- Incorrect. The 'Gita Govinda' series by Manak (also known as Manaku) from 1730 was painted at Basohli, not Guler. Manak was a prominent artist of the Basohli school.
Statement 2: It completely abandoned the use of beetle’s wing casings found in earlier styles.
- Correct. The Basohli style, particularly in its earlier phases, was known for its vibrant colours and the use of beetle wing casings (often for jewellery or ornamentation) to create a shimmering effect. Manak's 'Gita Govinda' series, while retaining some Basohli characteristics, marked a departure from this specific technique, moving towards a more refined aesthetic.
Statement 3: It represents a transition from the Basohli style towards the Guler style.
- Incorrect. While Manak's work, including the 'Gita Govinda' series, shows a refinement of the Basohli style and a move towards a softer palette and more naturalistic depiction, it is not considered a direct transition to the Guler style. The Guler style, which emerged later, was characterized by a greater emphasis on naturalism, delicate drawing, and a subdued colour palette, often attributed to artists like Nainsukh (Manak's younger brother) and his family. Manak's work is still firmly rooted in the Basohli tradition, albeit a more evolved form of it.