Pal Art or Pal School of Art is also know as Pal Shaily

The article has details about Pal Art. In fact, We also know the Pal School of Art as Pal Style. The dynasties of Pal and Sen of Bihar & Bengal mainly developed this style of Art under them. This art style is one of the important art styles of Indian Art.

Watch the full Pal Art Video here

Introduction of Pal Art

This style developed between 500 to 1300 AD. The patronage of the then Pal and Sena dynasty kings of Bihar and Bengal developed this art style. Pal style evolved in 5 forms- architecture, sculpture, terracotta, painting, and mural paintings.

However, Hinduism and mainly by Buddhism influenced this art. In this style, the pictures evolved from two types – 1. Mural paintings, 2. Manuscript. This art was extended to Bihar, Bengal as well as Nepal.

(Also Read- Sketching for Beginners)

Historic background

After the reign of King Harsh of Bengal, the rule of that system remained chaotic for almost 100 years. As a result, in 730- 740 AD, the people of it rebelled. After that, the people of Bengal chose a person named Gopal as their king. King Gopal had established his kingdom in south Bihar. King Gopal was the first ruler of the Pala dynasty.

After Raja Gopal, his son Dharmapala became the king who established Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur. Raja Dharmapala made to begin painting in his state.

After King Dharmapala, his son Devpal became the king who expanded the state. After Devpal, his son Mahipal became the king. Some scholars believed that King Mahipal’s time was the best for the Pal Style. All these Kings were the followers of Lord Buddha.

Pal Pothys Or Manuscripts

Pala-style pictures are found in the pavilions of the Mahayana sect written in Bengal, Bihar, and Nepal. Generally, these have been depicted on both sides of the tracks.

These Pothys have been written on good-quality green leaves. It has wooden backs on both sides. The size of these papers is 22.25 “X 2.5”.

On these letters, the Devanagari script is written in letters on both sides beautifully. In the middle, the pictures of Mahayana Deities, Buddha characters, and Divine Buddha are painted on a square space.

Tibetan historian Lama Taranath has considered Dhiman and the Vittapal as the founder of the Pal style of painting. In fact, some people say Dhiman and Vittapal were the chief artists of this genre too.

(Must Watch Beautiful Landscape & Paintings in- Mueen Akhtar’s Portfolio)

Art Exam in Mueen Akhtar — Click above for preparation for Various art exams.

Found Pothys

In the illustrated Pal Pothys, we can see Prajnaparamita, Mantamala, Panchashikha, Gandhavih, and Karandevguha Mahayana Bodhi Pothi.

However, the Cambridge University Library has still preserved some painted papers.

Pal Style Features

Pictures of this genre have been found in Pothys, which are small in size
In this style, the artists made gentle and carnivorous shapes in the Ajanta tradition.
Lines and expressions are also the same.
The Artists of Pal Art also occasionally painted the horrific shapes of the Mahayana sect.
Infect, one can see the paranoid style of Ajanta style in Pal style.
The style of the Bhitth (Mural) paintings had decreased in quality.
While the shapes are limited within themselves.
Human figures have long noses, which are going beyond the cheek borders.
Pal artists made the eyes large and nearby. The heads of the shapes are flat.
The artist of this style often used the boundary lines of the shapes.
It appears that the nib or some hard textbook has been used in place of the tulika(Brush).
In this genre, green leaves of good quality have been used in the potholes by drying in the shade.
The Pothys has wood on both sides to protect it as a cover.
In fact, the artists of this style mainly used in red, blue, white, and black colors in the painting.
Somewhere, they also used pink, purple, and gray colors made from basic colors.

Conclusion

Pal style is primarily the style of illustrated Pothys or manuscripts. Mainly, Buddhism influenced the Pal Style of Art. However, this art also extended to Bihar, Bengal, and Nepal. The Pal and Sen kings protected this art form. While some experts believe that this is probably the “Naga style”. Also, They believe that Tibetan historian Lama Taranath mentioned this art form.

(Visit useful page for students & Teachers- Art Education)