New Catalog Challenges 'Miniature' Label for Pahari Paintings
Scheduled to launch in 2026, the book 'Pahari Paintings: Art and Stories' aims to reshape perceptions of South Asian art by redefining the concept of 'miniature.' This publication is rooted in the extensive collection of Catherine Glynn Benkaim, which is housed at various institutions, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Curator Sonya Rhie Mace and art historian Sarang Sharma will present the work, which builds on B. N. Goswamy's extensive research. The book highlights Pahari artistic traditions from regions such as Chamba, Kangra, and Nurpur, featuring works like the 1760 painting 'Taking of the toll (Dana-Lila).'
Key facts
- The catalog 'Pahari Paintings: Art and Stories' was published in 2026.
- The collection was amassed by scholar Catherine Glynn Benkaim.
- The collection was acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the National Museum of Asian Art.
- The catalog includes an essay by curator Sonya Rhie Mace and art historian Sarang Sharma.
- The book builds on the work of art historian B. N. Goswamy.
- The Pahari region includes the kingdoms of Chamba, Kangra, and Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh, India.
- The painting 'Taking of the toll (Dana-Lila)' (c. 1760) is featured and attributed to Chamba.
- Artist Sajnu merged styles from Kangra and Mandi in the folio 'The goddess Sumukhi'.
- Artist Purkhu left Kangra to work for Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore.
Entities
Artists
- Catherine Glynn Benkaim
- Sonya Rhie Mace
- Sarang Sharma
- B. N. Goswamy
- Sajnu
- Purkhu
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Institutions
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- National Museum of Asian Art
Locations
- Chamba
- Kangra
- Nurpur
- Himachal Pradesh
- India
- Lahore