A planetary deity (Mars, or Mangala) flanked by Kārttikeya on his peacock, and Lakshmi seated on a lotus borne aloft by four elephants.

Gouache painting on paper.

Attributed to: Mahesh (1725-1750 AD)

Pahari School
Chamba Style
1725-1750 (circa)
Panjab Hills

The term 'Pahari School' refers to paintings created in the small Rajput courts of the Punjab Hills. While the Pahari region was occupied from the 7th century onwards, with dated architectural monuments and temples, there is no evidence of painting until the mid-16th century. The painting tradition really flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

The term 'Chamba style' refers to paintings created at the small court of Chamba in the Punjab Hills between the 17th and 19th centuries.

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