Introduction

The town of Dharamsala is the administrative headquarters of the district of Kangra. This lies below McLeodganj along the same set of hills. The offices, courts and some hotels are located here. The Kotwali Bazaar is the main thoroughfare which connects up to McLeodganj through Dharamsala. Two of the area’s ‘must do’ places are located here – the War Memorial and the Kangra Art Gallery.

At the start of Dharamsala, just as one starts climbing the slope, is the War Memorial that commemorates the war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. This is built in a pine grove and is criss-crossed by meandering paths. At different points of year, homage is given to these brave men who gave their lives for the country. As many of these martyrs belonged to the area, the Memorial is often visited by their families.

The Kangra Art Gallery is located in the heart of Dharamsala, the Kotwali Bazaar. This has artefacts that date back to the fifth century. The displays include the area’s famous miniature paintings - often called the ‘Pahari’ or even more specific to the locality, the Kangra school; several art historians opine that it was in this school that traditional Indian painting touched its high water mark. Precious metals like gold and silver were, at times,used for ornamentation. Sartorial trappings, furniture, carpets and utensils were often executed in these metals. The palette had primary colours with shades of yellow, blue and red and later, especially in Kangra, soft pastels. The refinement and technical skill made the paintings of Kangra act as a touchstone for the forty odd sub-schools.

The gallery also houses sculptures, pottery, anthropological artefacts, coins, jewellery and manuscripts. 'Shaminas', canopies, and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, intricately carved 'jalis' that once served a windows or railings, lintels and 'pandals' - small platforms - are also on display. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. A small library is just below the building.

Special Attributes

Administrative headquarters of the district that has the War Memorial ( a large plaque) and the Kangra Art Gallery ( a museum and gallery)

Nuisance

None

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable but conservative

Connectivity

Autos, taxis, buses and walking

Enjoyed by

History and art lovers and general interest

Exposure

Subject heavy rain during the monsoons

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Parking and restaurants are close by

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Try and do the Kangra Art Gallery fisrt and then the War Memorial

Type of site

War Memorial - Memorial. Kangra Art Gallery - Museum and Gallery