Bold, mystical, and charged with emotion, Basohli painting is one of India's most distinctive miniature art traditions. Originating in the 17th century in the hill town of Basohli, this GI-tagged style is renowned for its vibrant colours, expressive faces, and dramatic compositions that often depict tales from Hindu mythology, especially the Ras Leela of Krishna and Radha, and heroic Rajput legends.
Painted on handmade wasli paper using natural pigments—derived from minerals, plants, and even precious stones—Basohli miniatures are further enriched with 24-carat gold detailing, lending them a sacred luminosity. Their stylistic features include bold lines, almond-shaped eyes, and a unique use of space, combining Pahari grace with raw devotional energy.
