Mandi

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  4. Styles and Periods (hierarchy name)
  5. [styles, periods, and cultures by region]
  6. Asian
  7. South Asian
  8. Indian (South Asian)
  9. Indian painting styles
  10. Rajput
  11. Pahari (style)
  12. Mandi
Scope note
Refers to a regional school of Pahari miniature painting centered around the state of Mandi in the Beas Valley of the Punjab Hills. While earlier painting was influenced by the Mughals, Mandi painting became distinctive under Raja Sidh Sen (reigned 1684-1727), who was personally influential over the new style. Mandi painting of this period is often characterized by bold, sweeping lines, a muted palette, and simple compositions consisting of three horizontal registers. The vital and bold sculpture of the time is considered to be an important influence on the rendering of figures in painting. Strong facial features, oversize heads and hands, and generally statuesque figures are typical. Shiva is a popular subject since Sidh Sen was a devotee of the god. Shiva, Devi and Tantric themes were more popular than the literary themes seen in a great deal of other Pahari painting. A later phase of Mandi painting started around 1805 and is associated with the artist Sajnu from Guler. Works painted by him for Raja Ishwari Sen are characterized by curved and heavily ornamented borders, crowded and detailed compositions, and buildings and figures placed at angles.
Mandi
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024