Basohli is older than its name, hiding countless treasures within its fort, including history and the rich cultBasohli is older than its very name. Hidden within its fort lie countless treasures, including history and the rich culture that emerged from it. Its art and traditions have flourished in a serene environment where time itself seems to pause. The history concealed amidst the greenery-covered hills has not yet been fully explored. But anyone who looks beyond this lush veil will witness the grandeur of Basohli shining in its unique brilliance. The grandeur of Basohli does not owe itself to the favor and valor of the royal dynasty of Jammu, nor to the Mughals or any other ruling houses. It has its own story, one with a unique charm. Among the rugged mountain rocks lies a certain softness, whose allure is doubled by the Ravi River. There is a sense of clarity. The colors are strikingly harmonious. Folktales that arouse curiosity abound. Spirituality soothes the stirred emotions. The prominence of yellow catches the eye from afar. Yellow symbolizes optimism, playfulness, and cheerfulness, and is also associated with wisdom. Basohli paintings are masterpieces of the state, enchanting viewers with their magic. Their deep colors possess a lasting appeal that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Viewed from the threshold of the 21st century, the history of Basohli is an intriguing tale of transformation from a capital to a village, and then from a village to a semi-developed town. Yet, it still preserves the marks of its antiquity. Its charm lies in the changing contours of the mountains and the intensity of the winds. Along the banks of the Ravi River, rows of trees and the Ranjit Sagar Dam further enhance the beauty of the town. Watching the sun crawl over the hills and cast its reflection on the lake in Purthu is nothing short of a mystical experience.

Despite all this, it is surprising that this region of Jammu has not yet been established as a prominent tourist destination. However, the bridge over the Ravi River, which former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had promised, was completed by the Modi government with the construction of the Atal Setu. This beautiful bridge over the Ravi has made the arduous journey to Basohli much easier. Now, Basohli is poised to reclaim its lost glory. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has instilled this enthusiasm among the local people. During the inauguration of the ‘Basohli Festival’ in 2023, Honorable Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said: “Our historical treasures, the priceless diamonds and pearls, are scattered here. For the golden era of this place to return, we all must make concerted efforts at the local level and demonstrate the willpower to achieve it.”

Although the passage of time has pushed Basohli to the margins, the flow of the Ravi River is once again set to quicken, bringing new life to the town. Small, collaborative efforts will create possibilities and pierce through the fog of any obstacles, restoring light to Basohli. The Basohli Festival is one such effort among these small initiatives.

Basohli, though a small principality in the history of India, is vast in its cultural heritage, with a lineage tracing back to the Pandavas. The state was founded in the 9th century by its founder, King Rana Vishwapal. It is said that around 1560, King Krishnapal of Basohli made his debut at the Mughal court during Akbar’s reign. At that time, the small hill chieftains were constantly engaged in struggles for territorial expansion and power. After Krishnapal, his grandson Bhupatpal ascended the throne. He was a patron of the arts. It was during his reign that the hill miniature painting tradition flourished. Additionally, the illustrations of Rasamanjari, composed by Bhanudatt, were also created during Bhupatpal’s rule.

During the political turmoil, King Jagat Singh of Nurpur seized control of Basohli. However, Bhupatpal soon defeated the Nurpur army and regained Basohli. He went on to establish the modern town of Basohli. Bhupatpal was immortalized in a painting created in honor of Shah Jahan, which is preserved at the Dogra Art Gallery in Jammu; however, it is not a contemporary portrait. After Bhupatpal, his son Sangrampal inherited the throne, followed by Kripalpal, a scholar and art-loving king. During his reign, Basohli art flourished, and he provided patronage to artists.

In 1757, Amritpal became the king of Basohli. He married the daughter of Maharaja Ranjit Dev of Jammu in 1756, which gradually brought Jammu’s influence over Basohli. Around the same time, due to the invasions of Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Sikhs in the Punjab region, trade routes in Kashmir and India changed, and a new route passing through Basohli emerged, boosting the prosperity of the state. Amritpal proved to be a capable ruler. Under his reign, Basohli became a center of painting, and he also married the princess of Jasrota, further enriching the city’s cultural heritage.

Kalyanpal then ascended the throne. During his time, Ranjit Singh annexed Basohli to Jammu, granting it as a jagir to Raja Hira Singh of Jammu. Consequently, the artworks of Basohli, including its paintings, came under the care of Brahmin patrons. Kalyanpal’s marriages to the princesses of Sirmaur and Salangri further established Basohli as a center of art. After his death, the Basohli dynasty came to an end. The town of Basohli, situated on the right bank of the Ravi River, was once considered one of the seven wonders of Jammu. Today, the forts of Basohli stand in silence, concealing their ancient tales within the remnants of palaces and towers, now devoid of their former grandeur. These forts were once adorned with murals, but today all those paintings have been lost. The fort stands silently, awaiting the next earthquake that might bring it down. Will the people of this land be able to preserve the remnants of their heritage? Time has the power to heal and shape almost everything. Basohli stands at a crossroads, waiting to see how the wheel of time will alter its destiny. Art is a clear testament to human emotion, transcending earthly and geographical boundaries to immortalize the imagination, aspirations, and essence of its creators. It resonates with the collective cultural memory of people while offering its audience an intimate aesthetic experience. Among the countless artistic traditions that adorn the Indian subcontinent, the Basohli painting style occupies a luminous and unique place. Renowned for its vibrant colors, intricate craftsmanship, and compelling storytelling, Basohli art stands as a brilliant beacon of the creative genius of a bygone era. This book is a heartfelt tribute to this extraordinary artistic tradition its origin, resilience, and enduring legacy.

Nestled in the picturesque folds of the Shivalik hills in Jammu and Kashmir, the town of Basohli emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries as an unexpected yet unparalleled cradle of artistic talent. Under the enlightened patronage of its rulers, this quaint yet culturally vibrant town became a sanctuary where creativity flourished and craftsmanship reached magnificent heights. Widely celebrated as the earliest and most distinctive expression of the hill miniature art style, Basohli paintings are renowned for their bold contours, intricate patterns, and a daring palette of bright colors such as ochre yellow, red, and emerald green, to name a few. These masterpieces created a unique visual vocabulary, combining captivating compositions with profound spiritual undertones, leaving an indelible mark on India’s cultural landscape.

The origin of Basohli painting is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and social fabric of its time. Thematically, these artworks drew inspiration from the vast repository of Hindu mythology, prominently featuring the divine exploits of Krishna as well as stories from the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana. For instance, the Krishna Leela series encapsulates Krishna’s divine love and playful exploits, presented through a captivating blend of spiritual devotion and worldly romance. Equally enchanting are the Shringara Rasa themes, which celebrate the emotional and aesthetic nuances of love, often depicted through mesmerizing portrayals of heroines (nayikas) in their myriad moods. Each painting transcends mere visual delight, inviting viewers into a narrative labyrinth rich in symbolism and layered meanings.

Many scholars aspire to present an extensive exploration of Basohli painting, tracing its historical origins and the cultural milieu that fostered its development. The golden era of Basohli art, illuminated by royal patronage and continual innovation, was not immune to the vicissitudes of history. The decline of princely states, the socio-political upheavals of the late 18th century, and the intrusive influence of colonial powers disrupted the systems of patronage that had nurtured this tradition. Yet, the story of Basohli painting is not one of irreparable loss. In recent decades, a renewed wave of interest among art historians, collectors, and cultural connoisseurs has revitalized this remarkable art form. Efforts to preserve extant masterpieces, honor their past, and inspire contemporary interpretations have ensured that the spirit of Basohli continues to flourish.