Basohli painting one of the liveliest and most distinctive schools of Pahari miniature painting, emerged in the former princely realm of Basohli between the 17th and 18th centuries. The art form which is also noted for its use of brilliant colours, dramatic facial features, rich borders and extensive ornamentation using beetle wing cases was accorded with the GI badge in March 2023 indicating that the product has a specific geographical or cultural origin.

The workshop described by IIM Jammu as a first-of-its-kind initiative on its campus, congregates nationally known women artisans of the Basohli region who have played a critical role in revitalizing and safeguarding this 300-year-old legacy.

The training will cover natural pigment preparation, brushwork, gold embellishment and thematic storytelling of Hindu mythology, court life and the Ragamala series-all characteristic features of a genuine Basohli painting-through hands-on training in traditional techniques during the seven-day residential program.

Speaking during the inauguration, Professor BS Sahay Director of IIM Jammu said he welcomes the living tradition of Basohli Art to its Jagti campus since it hosts master practitioners whose devotion, skill and cultural memory preserve the aesthetic soul of Jammu and uphold India's artistic heritage.

He said by facilitating direct interaction between our students and these extraordinary women artisans, they will be able to foster an appreciation for indigenous art forms while encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for the artisan community.

More recently, the participating women artists, many of whom hail from generations of families practicing the trade have received national accolades. A few are recipients of state and national awards,and their art has been showcased on prestigious platforms such as the National Museum in New Delhi. The program, which will culminate on December 14 was organised by Anandam The Centre for Happiness and the Painting Club at IIM Jammu in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre Jammu.