ABSTRACT
Pahari Paintings form a loose umbrella of various painting styles that flourished in different parts of the Kangra Valley, practised by numerous artists under the patronage of rulers in Guler, Kangra and Nurpur. The evolution of Kangra Paintings in Kangra is attributed to the rise of power of the Katoch dynasty from the 18th century. The most distinct features that marked the uniqueness of Kangra Art from other art form are the beautiful expression of human love, a teasing eroticism and romance in the fringes. This became a common theme in all the paintings. The expression of love became the central theme with the beautiful Kangra valley providing a surreal background to the paintings. There is urgent need to grant Geographical Indication registration to certain responsible organization working to preserve and promote Kangra Miniature Paintings under Geographical Indication Act, 1999. This will give a certain amount of power to protect the Kangra Paintings produced by the Kangra artists from the fake imprints which are distributed at throwaway prices throughout the country and elsewhere. The geographical indication can be used as a tool to contribute towards the broader vision of information dissemination about the cultural and historical legacy of Kangra Miniature Paintings
