Kangra Paintings
Kangra paintings are reflective of the rich Pahari culture of North India. They were made famous by the local Rajput kings between the 17th and 19th centuries. As the name suggests, the Pahari style of paintings portrays the rich heritage of the mountainous and lush green regions of northern India, especially Himachal Pradesh. Within the Pahari style of paintings, the Kangra school became the most famous under the rule of great Rajput kings like Sansar Chand.
The subjects of the Kangra school of painting are deeply entrenched in the colors of the North Indian societies of the bygone era. For example, the 'Bhakti movement' and events from the life of Radha Rani and Shri Krishna give a spiritual and divine taste to the Kangra paintings.
'Love' and 'Devotion' through the image of Shri Krishna are found in abundance. In some paintings, Shri Krishna is seen dancing in the woods and the 'gopis' are shown to be mesmerized by his divine 'leela'.
