A significant exhibition of Indian art has commenced in the American capital, featuring rare paintings from the Himalayan hill kingdoms. The exhibition, titled “Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms,” is on display at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the National Museum of Asian Art until July 26, 2026. It presents 48 works crafted for Hindu kings in the Pahari region of north India between the 1620s and 1830s, showcasing a lesser-known yet impactful artistic tradition.
The showcased paintings are described by curators as some of the world’s most beautiful but least understood works of art from the Himalayan region. The exhibition delves into how artists navigated the challenging terrain of northern India, including steep slopes, snowy peaks, and narrow valleys. It emphasizes the diverse styles that emerged in the region, with painters employing a range of techniques from lyrical and naturalistic to boldly colored and abstracted, reflecting various cultural and religious influences.
The exhibition sheds light on the collaborative nature of artistic communities in which most painters operated, offering new insights into the production of these artworks. Visitors are encouraged to closely examine the paintings to appreciate the intricate details that characterize each piece. Historical context is provided to help viewers understand the political, cultural, and religious backdrop against which these paintings were created, enriching the overall experience of the exhibition.
The display includes a significant collection of works acquired from art historian Catherine Glynn Benkaim and Ralph Benkaim, with some pieces being publicly exhibited for the first time. Additionally, artworks on loan from the Cleveland Museum of Art are showcased alongside pieces from the museum’s own collection, offering a comprehensive view of the Pahari artistic tradition. This exhibition in Washington forms part of a broader initiative to showcase Pahari art, aligning with related exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum, accompanied by the publication “Pahari Paintings: Art and Stories.”
