Brushstrokes of pride: Kangra miniatures shine at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum

In a remarkable first, since the formation of Himachal Pradesh in 1948, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during a recent personal visit to London, made a culturally significant stop at the world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum. Accompanied by his wife, Kamlesh Thakur — Dehra MLA —and their daughters, the family spared time from their itinerary to focus on a deeply meaningful aspect of Indian heritage: the world-acclaimed Kangra miniature paintings.

This marks the first time any CM from Himachal has acknowledged the presence and prestige of Kangra art at an international institution of such stature. The visit, while personal, turned into a moment of historic pride for the state, as the family stood in admiration before paintings known for their finesse, intricate detailing and divine expression — hallmarks of the Kangra Kalam.

The CM and his family were particularly drawn to works attributed to Nainsukh and Manaku, sons of the legendary Pandit Seu, whose artistic lineage began in Guler in the early 18th century. Kangra paintings, a prominent school within the broader Pahari art tradition, are known for their lyrical beauty, soft colours and devotional themes. These works have illustrated revered Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Rasamanjari, Ragamalas, Bhagavata Purana and the Gitagovinda — bringing to life the love of Radha and Krishna and other divine narratives.

Kamlesh Thakur shared her personal reflections on the visit, “This wasn’t just a visit — it was a spiritual experience, a rare and enlightening experience.” She emphasised how the paintings, despite being centuries old, continue to evoke a sense of spiritual awe and cultural pride. The CM was visibly moved, acknowledging the global appreciation these paintings enjoy and expressing the need to further promote Himachal’s artistic heritage.

This visit not only highlighted the aesthetic brilliance of Pahari art but also positioned Kangra miniatures on a global cultural map, reaffirming their significance. For Himachal Pradesh, it was a moment of recognition, pride and renewed commitment to preserving its artistic legacy.