Question

Under whose patronage the first phase of Guler painting began?

• A. Raja Manak Chand
• B. Raja Govardhan Chand
• C. Raja Prakash Chand
• D. Raja Balwant Sing

Hint:

Associate the rise of the delicate Guler-Kangra style of painting with the patronage of two main rulers: Raja Govardhan Chand of Guler, who nurtured its development, and Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra, under whom it reached its peak.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the ruler under whose patronage the Guler school of Pahari painting, known for its naturalism and delicacy, began to flourish.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Guler school is often considered the cradle of the Kangra style of painting. The transition from the bolder Basohli style to the more refined and naturalistic Guler style took place in the early 18th century. This artistic development is strongly associated with the patronage of Raja Govardhan Chand of Guler (reigned c. 1741-1773). Although painting existed in Guler before him, it was during his reign that the school achieved its characteristic delicacy, refinement, and lyrical quality. Artists, possibly from the families of Pandit Seu, Manaku, and Nainsukh, worked at his court and created a new style that would become the foundation for the later Kangra Kalam.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Raja Balwant Singh was the patron of Nainsukh at Jasrota, a different court.} \\ \bullet & \text{Raja Prakash Chand was the son and successor of Govardhan Chand and continued his father's patronage.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The first major phase of Guler painting as a distinct, refined style began under the patronage of Raja Govardhan Chand.