Preserving, promoting Kangra style of paintings

Lalit Mohan

Experts dwelled on the preservation and promotion of Kangra style of painting at a workshop and exhibition organised at McLeodganj recently. 

President of Kangra Arts Promotion Society (KAPS) Dr Akshay Runchal said: “Keeping in view the importance of traditional valuable products in socio-economic development of rural artisans, the Himachal Pradesh Patent Information Centre (PIC), Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), Shimla, had come together to create awareness on Geographical Indication for Kangra painting.”

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, government of India, and Kangra Arts Promotion Society, Dharamsala, at The Club House, HPTDC, McLeodganj, Dharamshala, on May 1, he said.

The workshop was inaugurated by Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, and Santosh Patial, DIG, posted as SP Kangra. Madhu Chaudhary, Deputy Director of Tourism, Kangra, also attended the workshop as special guest.

Madhu Chaudhary assured to give full support from the Tourism Department, Kangra to promote Kangra Paintings and other GIs of the state. The Kangra DC discussed special strategies to promote Kangra painting and other GIs in the state and at national level. He said the registration fee for the authorised user of Kangra painting, which is Rs 600, would be reimbursed. He also appreciated the efforts of KAPS in promoting Kangra painting by exhibiting at national and international platforms. Anumita Verma, Examiner Trademarks, CGPDT, government of India, discussed in detail the procedure of GI and registration of GI application.

The style being taught, but not the said intricacies  

There are a few private schools teaching Kangra paintings. These are being run by local art promotion societies and aided by a few NRIs. However, the children learning Kangra style of painting are not being taught the said intricacies. Preparing colours for typical Kangra painting is a time consuming and tedious job that cannot be taught in a short duration, for which children attend the school, said one of the teachers. 

Developed under Kangra, Guler states

The unique style of Kangra paintings has developed under the aegis of Kangra and Guler states. The paintings are done in 19 natural colours, typically associated with Kangra form of art. They are created from stones and plants found in Kangra valley. It takes about a year to create the required colours, as they can be generated only from natural sources existing at particular time of the year. Besides the natural colours, gold has also been used. It gives the required shine to the paintings. Another unique feature of this art is the use of natural poison, which protects the painting from decay. The poison is prepared from smoke that gathers at the roof of religious places, where holy fire burns continuously. The natural paper created from the bio-waste of pine trees. Even the brush used for painting is prepared from the wings of local bird.

What is GI tag

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Registration provides legal protection to Geographical Indications, which in turn boost exports. It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory. 
• HIMCOSTE has registered Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Chamba Rumal, Kinnauri Shawl and Kangra Painting, Himachali Kaala Zeera, Himachali Chulli Oil. 
• Chamba Chappal, Himachali Chilgoza are in the process of registration at GI Registry Office, Chennai.
• GI for Kangra paintings was given in 2015.