Controversy surrounds National Award for Kangra Miniature Art

A serious dispute has erupted within the Kangra miniature artist community regarding the National Award-2023, awarded to Priya Gupta from Kandaghat, Solan. Artists from Kangra argue that the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, overlooked the Geographic Indication (GI) protection for Kangra miniatures, which restricts outsiders from replicating the art without formal consent.

Kangra artists, who have practiced this craft for generations, allege that the artwork Priya submitted is not her original creation but rather the work of Jaipur-based artist Om Prakash Kumavat. They claim the practice of impersonation, common in Rajasthan, has now reached Himachal Pradesh, tarnishing the authenticity of Kangra art.

Mukesh Dhiman, a 2015 National Award recipient, expressed concerns about the integrity of the art form, emphasising that such practices could lead to the dilution of the distinctive Pahari features that are integral to Kangra miniature art. Other established artists, including Dhani Ram, a Kalidas Samaan winner, and several state awardees like Deepak, Rajeev, Kamaljeet, and Suresh Chaudhary, also voiced their opposition.

The artists have raised the issue with the Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, based in Kullu. They pointed out the lack of a proper screening mechanism to verify the authenticity of artwork before submission for national recognition. Furthermore, the GI protection granted to Kangra paintings under the Intellectual Property Act of 1999 reserves the rights for artists from the designated region, making it illegal for outsiders to produce replicas.

Priya, who has won state awards in 2019 and 2023, holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Shimla University. She defends her work, stating that she meticulously documented the creation of the awarded painting, which took seven months to complete. Her piece is a replica of a work from the ‘Kedara Kalpa’ series by the renowned Kangra artist Purkhu, under the patronage of Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch.

The painting is also mentioned in the book ‘A Sacred Journey’ by respected art historians Karuna Goswamy and BN Goswamy. However, the controversy has raised broader concerns about the preservation of Kangra art’s authenticity and its future under national recognition.