In a time when mass production and fast fashion dominate the creative landscape, India Retails and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. (IRHPL) is taking a meaningful step toward preserving something timeless. Through its conscious retail arm ARTPORT, the company has launched a landmark initiative to revive Kangra Painting, India’s oldest surviving school of miniature art that traces its roots to the 18th century in the serene valleys of Himachal Pradesh.

Kangra painting is more than just an art form, it is living history. Known for its delicate brushwork, naturalistic landscapes, and poetic depictions of Radha and Krishna’s eternal love, Kangra art flourished in royal courts centuries ago. Today, it faces near extinction, with only a few master artisans continuing the tradition, often with limited recognition or sustainable income.

IRHPL has become the first company to introduce a structured revival programme aimed at bringing this art back into relevance. The initiative is built on three guiding pillars:

• Direct Collaboration with Artists – ARTPORT will retail artworks directly from artisans, ensuring fair royalties, recognition, and dignity for their craft.
  

• Cultural Storytelling – Kangra will be presented as living heritage through exhibitions, retail experiences, and digital storytelling, helping audiences understand its cultural depth.
  

• Sustainable Empowerment – The project will create long-term livelihood opportunities, encouraging younger generations to take up this historic art form.
  

“Kangra art is poetry painted on paper. It carries India’s spiritual and aesthetic heritage in every brushstroke. Through ARTPORT, we are not only protecting this endangered art but giving its practitioners the stage, respect, and opportunity they deserve,” said Mr. Naresh Sharma, CEO of IRHPL Group of Companies.

One of the master artists associated with ARTPORT’s initiative is Dhaniram, who has spent decades preserving the Kangra tradition but struggled to sustain his craft. With ARTPORT’s support, his paintings are now reaching audiences beyond Himachal, inspiring appreciation and ensuring that the next generation sees value in continuing this remarkable art.

This revival goes beyond the preservation of a painting style, it represents a bridge between India’s cultural past and its creative future. Through ARTPORT, IRHPL aims to build a sustainable ecosystem where artisans flourish, heritage thrives, and the timeless beauty of Kangra art finds new admirers across the world.