| Purkhu | |
| Style: | Pahari (specifically Kangra) and Sikh |
| Patrons: | Sansar Chand of Kangra State Ranjit Singh of Lahore State |
Purkhu (fl. 1780–1820[1]), also spelt as Purkhoo or Parkhu, and also known as Purkhu of Kangra, was a Pahari painter who specialized in the Kangra-style.[2] [3] He painted both courtly and religious themes.
Purkhu was the son of Dhummun.[4] Purkhu was likely the head chitrera (artist) of a courtly atelier based out of Kangra State during the reign of Sansar Chand (r. 1775–1823). In his works, he documented both the public and private lives of his patron.
Purkhu also produced a series of religious art works based upon the Harivamsa, Shiva Purana, Ramayana, Gita Govinda, and Kedara Kalpa.
Purkhu's disciple was Basharat Ullah.
When comparing the works of earlier Pahari artists belonging to the first generation after Nainsukh and Manaku, which are characterized as "dreamlike" and "lyrical", Purkhu's on the other hand are "journalistic". In Purkhu's works, individual facial features depicted do not seem individual, however closer examination reveals subtle differences. The landscapes in his paintings have been described as "more mannered" when compared to the earlier Pahari artists.