With reference to the Kangra School of painting, consider the following statements: 1. It blossomed under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal. 2. The style is characterized by the delineation of the female face with a straight nose in line with the forehead. 3. The production of paintings in Kangra was significantly impacted by the Gurkha siege in 1805. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Kangra School is a prominent style within the Pahari School of miniature painting, which flourished in the Himalayan foothills of present-day Himachal Pradesh. It evolved from the Guler style and is renowned for its lyrical quality, delicate lines, and brilliant colors, often depicting themes from the Gita Govinda, Bhagavata Purana, and Satsai. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Kangra School did not blossom under Raja Kirpal Pal; he was a patron associated with the Basohli School, which is the earliest phase of Pahari painting. The Kangra School reached its zenith under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand (1775-1823), who was an ardent devotee of Krishna and a great patron of the arts. - Statement 2 is Correct. A distinguishing feature of the Kangra style is the idealization of the female form. The female face is typically drawn with a straight nose that is almost in line with the forehead, long narrow eyes, and sharp, porcelain-like features. This specific facial profile is a hallmark of the mature Kangra style. - Statement 3 is Correct. The artistic production in Kangra was deeply affected by political turmoil. In 1805, the Gurkhas, led by Amar Singh Thapa, laid siege to the Kangra Fort. This conflict, followed by the intervention of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, disrupted the peace and prosperity of the region, leading to a significant decline in the patronage and production of paintings. Key Takeaway: The Kangra School flourished primarily under Raja Sansar Chand and is stylistically noted for the "straight nose in line with the forehead" profile. Its decline was precipitated by the Gurkha invasion of 1805.

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

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With reference to the Kangra School of painting, consider the following statements:

It blossomed under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal.
The style is characterized by the delineation of the female face with a straight nose in line with the forehead.
The production of paintings in Kangra was significantly impacted by the Gurkha siege in 1805.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 and 2 only
C1, 2 and 3
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Kangra School is a prominent style within the Pahari School of miniature painting, which flourished in the Himalayan foothills of present-day Himachal Pradesh. It evolved from the Guler style and is renowned for its lyrical quality, delicate lines, and brilliant colors, often depicting themes from the Gita Govinda, Bhagavata Purana, and Satsai.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Kangra School did not blossom under Raja Kirpal Pal; he was a patron associated with the Basohli School, which is the earliest phase of Pahari painting. The Kangra School reached its zenith under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand (1775-1823), who was an ardent devotee of Krishna and a great patron of the arts.
Statement 2 is Correct. A distinguishing feature of the Kangra style is the idealization of the female form. The female face is typically drawn with a straight nose that is almost in line with the forehead, long narrow eyes, and sharp, porcelain-like features. This specific facial profile is a hallmark of the mature Kangra style.
Statement 3 is Correct. The artistic production in Kangra was deeply affected by political turmoil. In 1805, the Gurkhas, led by Amar Singh Thapa, laid siege to the Kangra Fort. This conflict, followed by the intervention of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, disrupted the peace and prosperity of the region, leading to a significant decline in the patronage and production of paintings.

Key Takeaway:
The Kangra School flourished primarily under Raja Sansar Chand and is stylistically noted for the "straight nose in line with the forehead" profile. Its decline was precipitated by the Gurkha invasion of 1805.

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?

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The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Kangra School did not blossom under Raja Kirpal Pal; he was a patron associated with the Basohli School, which is the earliest phase of Pahari painting. The Kangra School reached its zenith under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand (1775-1823), who was an ardent devotee of Krishna and a great patron of the arts.
Statement 2 is Correct. A distinguishing feature of the Kangra style is the idealization of the female form. The female face is typically drawn with a straight nose that is almost in line with the forehead, long narrow eyes, and sharp, porcelain-like features. This specific facial profile is a hallmark of the mature Kangra style.
Statement 3 is Correct. The artistic production in Kangra was deeply affected by political turmoil. In 1805, the Gurkhas, led by Amar Singh Thapa, laid siege to the Kangra Fort. This conflict, followed by the intervention of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, disrupted the peace and prosperity of the region, leading to a significant decline in the patronage and production of paintings.