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Source: The post is based on the article “Kathua’s ‘Basohli Painting’ gets GI tag” published in The Times of India on 3rd April 2023.
What is the News?
The world-famous ‘Basohli Painting’ from Kathua district has obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. This is the first time in the history of GI registration that the Jammu region got a GI tag for handicrafts.
About the Basohli painting
Originates in: Basholi region of Jammu and Kashmir
Style: It is popular for its miniature art style with vivid, evocative colours, bold lines, and deep-set facial patterns.
Patronage: The Basholi painting style flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries under the patronage of local rulers and wealthy merchants.
Themes: The portraits of local rulers, Radha-Krishna, and Madhava-Malati love themes and themes from the Bhagavata Purana.
Significance: It is considered the first school of Pahari paintings.
Salient features of Basohli painting:
-They have perfect geometrical patterns, bright colours and glossy enamel.
-The figures in the paintings are shown clad in rich costumes, stylised faces and large bulging eyes lending unique individuality to these paintings.
-These are painted on paper, cloth, or wood using natural pigments and dyes. Ochre yellow, brown, and green grounds are the predominant colours.
