Young painters in Himachal Pradesh are working to revitalise the fading art of Kangra miniature painting by fusing traditional techniques with contemporary themes, in an effort to make the heritage form more appealing to younger generations.
The initiative is being showcased at an ongoing art camp on Kangra miniatures at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS) in Shimla, where emerging artists are experimenting with modern subject matter while retaining the originality of the traditional style.
Kajal, a budding Kangra miniature artist participating in the camp, said it was important to adapt the art form to contemporary times to sustain its relevance.
She said her interest in painting led her to study Kangra miniatures under the guidance of renowned artist Dhani Ram, and she has continued working in the tradition since then.
“When I started painting Kangra miniatures, people, especially younger ones, would say I was copying the same art that has been done multiple times. They felt there was no innovation and that painters were repeating old concepts, which was leading to declining interest among younger generations,” she said.
“This motivated me to think about how to connect with younger audiences. Around three years ago, I began experimenting with modern themes in miniature painting. Recently, I painted a Gaddi couple clicking a selfie, which was widely appreciated,” she added.
Another young artist, Kartik, said there was a need to introduce new concepts while preserving traditional forms.
“Our culture has evolved, new trends have emerged and traditional attire has changed. It is important to reflect these changes in paintings so younger generations can relate to them instantly,” he said.
Veteran painter and mentor Dhani Ram, who has been practising Kangra miniatures for 36 years, said the art form reached its peak during the reign of Maharaja Sansar Chand in the 18th and 19th century, before declining after the arrival of the British.
“The situation was such that by 1988 only a handful of artists were left. The art saw a revival after that period, and today I have trained over 300 artists who have earned recognition across the country and are also making a livelihood from it,” he said.
Dhani Ram also called for institutional support, urging the state government to introduce a dedicated course on Kangra miniature painting to encourage future generations to pursue the art form.
