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Purkhu

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(Redirected from Purkhu of Kangra)
Purkhu
Presumed self-portrait of Purkhu from a larger work
StylePahari (specifically Kangra) and Sikh
Patron(s)Sansar Chand of Kangra State
Ranjit Singh of Lahore State

Purkhu (fl. 1780–1820[1]), also spelt as Purkhoo or Parkhu, and also known as Purkhu of Kangra, was a Pahari painter who specialized in the Kangra-style.[1][2][3] He painted both courtly and religious themes.[1][2]

Biography and works

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Purkhu was the son of Dhummun.[4] Purkhu was likely the head chitrera (artist) of a courtly atelier based out of Kangra State during the reign of Sansar Chand (r. 1775–1823).[1][2] In his works, he documented both the public and private lives of his patron.[1][2]

Purkhu also produced a series of religious art works based upon the Harivamsa, Shiva Purana, Ramayana, Gita Govinda, and Kedara Kalpa.[1][2]

Purkhu's disciple was Basharat Ullah.[2]

Style

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When comparing the works of earlier Pahari artists belonging to the first generation after Nainsukh and Manaku, which are characterized as "dreamlike" and "lyrical", Purkhu's on the other hand are "journalistic".[1][2] In Purkhu's works, individual facial features depicted do not seem individual, however closer examination reveals subtle differences.[1][2] The landscapes in his paintings have been described as "more mannered" when compared to the earlier Pahari artists.[1][2]

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Kangra

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Sikh

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Maharaja Sansar Chand of Kangra Enjoys Paintings with His Courtiers". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Guy, John; Britschgi, Jorrit (2011). "Purkhu of Kangra". Wonder of the Age: Master Painters of India, 1100-1900. Metropolitan Museum of Art. pp. 176–177. ISBN 9781588394309.
  3. ^ Chaitanya, Krishna (1976). "1: A Twilit Landscape". A History of Indian Painting. Vol. 2. Abhinav Publications. pp. 1–7. ISBN 9788170173106.
  4. ^ Pal, Pratapaditya (1972). Aspects of Indian Art: Papers Presented in a Symposium at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, October, 1970 (illustrated ed.). Brill Archive. p. 133. ISBN 9789004036253.