Kumaoni Painting Tradition and Pahari School Nainital

The Kumaon hills around Nainital were a centre of Pahari painting tradition producing exquisite miniatures depicting scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana. Kumaoni painters developed a distinctive style within the broader Pahari school characterised by rich natural pigments, expressive facial features, and detailed architectural backgrounds. The Almora-Nainital belt was particularly productive during the 18th and 19th centuries under patronage of local Chand rulers. Artists used mineral pigments like lapis lazuli, malachite, vermilion, and gold for highlights. Contemporary artists continue this tradition adapting traditional motifs for modern contexts including Aipan folk art which translates ritual floor patterns into paintings on paper and fabric.