This famous 17th-century Indian Miniature Painting depicts the birth of Pahari Miniature Art under the initial stages of the Basohli School. This piece attributed to the great painter Kripal, is usually dated back to around 1660-70. It is a critical time in art history with local folklore mixed with religious themes. Lord Vishnu can be seen at the center of the image in his traditional dark blue skin. He has four arms holding his usual attributes of the chakra (discus), sankha (conch shell), gada (mace) and padma (lotus flower). He has been adorned in a bright yellow Dhoti and a beautifully decorated crown. Garuda can also be seen below him in a bird man form with large floral patterns on his wings and vivid green/yellow skin.
This piece embodies the key features that make up the Basohli school and have made it so iconic and gained it a GI tag today. The most noticeable thing about this painting is the bright colours. The background displays a flat glowing yellow with a bright red border. This is typical of early Pahari paintings to create a strong emotion. The characters also have large, floral-looking lotus eyes. This creates the dramatic look typical of early hill paintings from the Jammu area. There is no western shading in this painting from 1660. The painting has strong geometric shapes and bold lines to show the power of the universe. This painting can be found in official records such as the Indian Culture Portal website run by the Ministry of Culture from the Government of India. It is also listed as an important historical piece in printed records such as the Tallenge Store.
The artworks depicts Vishnu and Garuda with an iconographic accuracy still seen today. Set against the yellow background the colors used are vibrant and eye-catching. The detailed ornamentation on both figures is notable. There is also an interesting contrast in this ornamentation as Vishu, in all his benevolence is adorned by softer details. He wears strings of pearls and garlands made of flowers. He also has lotuses resting on his crown. On the other hand Garuda’s most obvious striking detail are the multiple snakes coiling around his arms. In their own way, the snakes become his ornaments. Adding an interesting metaphorical layer to the otherwise traditional iconography.
