Raja Amrit Pal of Basohli

"Raja Amrit Pal of Basohli", is a painting attributed to Ranjha, the son of Nainsukh, of the Basohli court. The painting, coloured in soft hues and detailed in intricate features, is a painting belonging to the umbrella category 'Pahari Painting', or 'Painting of the Mountains', a category and painting style that Ranjha made his own. Raja Amrit Pal of Basohli, the son of Raja Jit Pal, is the subject of this artwork, and as was in practice back in the day, this was created for 'Nazars', or royal presentations to the king, where the artist was presented with rewards. The painting features the Raja, clad in pure white royal garb, with a gold lined waist sash and a white jama coat, surrounded by a flower garden hosting flowers of all shapes and colours. The flowers, in white, red and pink, painted in soft vivid detail (characteristic to 'Pahari') down to the last stamen, are framed on the sides with lush green trees. In the far background, we see the canopy bed of the garden as well. The Raja clutches a flower in one hand, and on the other, a sheathed sword: a contrast of serenity and strength. Thus, "Raja Amrit Pal of Basohli" by Ranjha, with its intense perception and intricate composition, asserts its place as one of the finest among 'Pahari' works.