Bilaspur
Hierarchy classification:
Alternative term/s
- Kahlur
Anotations
Scope note:
Refers to a regional school of Pahari miniature painting associated with Bilaspur in the Sutlej River valley of the Punjab Hills. Bilaspur was a noteworthy painting center from about 1650 to 1870. The 17th-century ruler Dip Chand served the Mughals and had marital ties that may have motivated him to establish a painting workshop. Unlike the local sculpture of the 17th century, most early Bilaspur paintings are not religious. Instead, most are portraits, and they are indebted to Mughal painting for their naturalism. Later Bilaspur painting retains the refinement of the Mughal influence but the subject matter is more commonly traditional subjects such as 'Ragamala' illustrations and devotional works. By the end of the 18th century, outside influences from Guler and Kangra dominated Bilaspur painting and in the first few decades of the next century, the style showed little connection to its origins and declined.