Dogra Art & Crafts
From the iconic Basohli miniature paintings to intricate embroidery and temple carvings — explore the rich visual arts of Duggar Pradesh.
Basohli Miniature Paintings
The Basohli school of painting, originating in the 17th century from the town of Basohli in Jammu, is one of the earliest schools of Pahari miniature painting. Known for their bold colours, expressive faces, and use of beetle-wing cases for creating shimmering green tones, these paintings primarily depict scenes from Hindu mythology — particularly the Rasamanjari and Bhagavata Purana.
Patrons like Raja Kirpal Pal (1678–1693) transformed Basohli into a vibrant centre for miniature art. Today, Duggar Virsa works to preserve and revive this tradition by documenting surviving works and supporting contemporary artists who carry this legacy forward.
Traditional Art Forms
Basohli Paintings
17th-century Pahari miniature school famous for vivid colours and mythological themes. UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure.
Dogra Embroidery
Intricate hand-embroidery (Kasidakari) passed down through generations of Dogra women, featuring floral and geometric motifs.
Temple Wood Carvings
Ornate wood and stone carvings adorning ancient temples in Jammu, Bahu Fort, and Raghunath Temple — a hallmark of Dogra architecture.
Chamba Rumal
A unique embroidered textile art from Chamba featuring scenes from epics, rendered in fine untwisted silk thread on muslin cloth.
Terracotta & Pottery
Traditional clay pottery and terracotta figurines crafted in villages along the Tawi River, used in rituals and daily life.
Dogra Jewellery
Traditional gold and silver ornaments such as the Tikka, Nath, Churi, and Jugni worn during weddings and festivals.
Folk Crafts & Artisans
Beyond the courts and temples, Dogra art thrived in the hands of everyday artisans. Bamboo and cane work, carpet weaving, woodwork, and chappal (footwear) making are integral to the region's craft identity. These crafts are not just utilitarian — they carry deep cultural symbolism and storytelling traditions.
Duggar Virsa actively documents these artisan communities, creates skill-based livelihood programs, and connects craftspeople with wider markets to ensure these traditions survive and thrive.
Explore the Digital Archive
Dive deeper into our searchable collection of manuscripts, rare paintings, and cultural artifacts.
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