Pahari Paintings and Sikh Portraits in the Lahore Museum

Since the late 19th century the Lahore museum has been renowned for its large collection of paintings from the Punjab Hills and its many examples of Sikh portraitures. Apart however, from a brief catalogue published in 1922, no scholarly appraisal of these collection has si far been made. The present catalogue discusses and identifies some 535 items and is described by Dr. W. G. Archer as an 'indispensable sequel and complement' to his Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills. Resembling Dr. Archer's volumes in format and presentation, it securely connects each picture with one or other State in the area and gives special attention to the accurate identification of subject-matter. All states are arranged in alphabetical order and catalogue entries and illustration are carefully interrelated. Of unusual importance is the comprehensive publication of certain large series from Basohli, Kulu, Nurpur and Guler, hitherto known only from isolated examples. Sixteen paintings from eight different schools - Basohli, Chamba, Guler, Jammu, Kahlur, Kangra, Kulu and Nurpur - have been reproduced in full color, thereby greatly enhancing the book's appeal and enabling salient differences of style to be readily comprehended. In addition to a wide coverage of paintings from 'key' series, the book includes a number of individual masterpieces notable for their poetic charm and sensitive brilliance.