In which school 'Ras Manjari' was painted in Pahari paintings ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The 'Rasamanjari', a celebrated Sanskrit poem by Bhanudatta that systematically categorizes various types of heroes and heroines (*Nayaka-Nayika Bheda*), was famously painted in the **Basohli** school. Basohli painting is the earliest, most dynamic, and most expressive of all the Pahari schools, flourishing in the late 17th century. The school's characteristic style, defined by its intensely vibrant and "laughing" primary colours, bold black outlines, dramatic facial features (large, 'fish-like' eyes), and a flat but powerful composition, was perfectly suited to convey the heightened passion and drama of the *Rasamanjari* text. The earliest and most pivotal series of *Rasamanjari* paintings were created in Basohli, notably one dated to 1694-95 A.D. by the artist Devidasa of Nurpur.

The incorrect option is 1:
**Garhwal** is an important centre of Pahari painting, but it developed significantly later, predominantly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, following the artistic conventions established by the Kangra school. The Garhwal style is noted for its gentle, lyrical, and romantic representations, exemplified by the work of its most famous artist, Mola Ram. This refined naturalism is conceptually and chronologically distinct from the bold, archaic, and highly expressive early Basohli phase in which the iconic *Rasamanjari* was first illustrated. Therefore, the most celebrated and foundational version of this series is not a product of the Garhwal school.

The incorrect option is 2:
The **Kangra** school is revered for ushering in a classical phase of Pahari painting, characterized by delicate draftsmanship, subtle colouring, and a profound sense of lyrical beauty. Kangra paintings, which peaked in the late 18th century, are known for their sweet, naturalistic rendering of figures and landscape. While Kangra artists illustrated many texts on devotional and romantic love, such as *Gita Govinda*, their artistic language contrasts sharply with the stark, bold, and expressionistic primitivism of the Basohli school. The signature series of the *Rasamanjari* belongs to the early, powerful Basohli style, not the later, softer Kangra style.

The incorrect option is 3:
The **Guler** school is often recognized as the starting point for the naturalistic trend in Pahari painting, and it is sometimes called the "parent school" of Kangra. Flourishing in the mid-18th century, Guler art is known for its refinement and smooth blending of Mughal elegance with local themes, moving away from the earlier Basohli severity. While Guler paintings introduced a new softness and realism to the region, the foundational *Rasamanjari* series, famous for its distinct, intense colour palette and emotional intensity, is the masterwork of the earlier Basohli school and predates the main artistic flowering of Guler.