Basharat Ullah
Sheikh Basharat Ullah, also known as Basahathullah or Basahatullah, was a Punjabi miniature painter who was employed as a court-painter for various states, such as Patiala State.
Biography
Basharat's family were originally from Lahore but were also based in Delhi and later Patiala, where they remained for over a hundred and fifty years. Basharat Ullah was the son of Allah Ditta, another artist. His father Allah Ditta moved to Patiala to work as a court-painter after studying the art of miniature painting under Mirza Shah Rukh Beg in Delhi.In 1825, Basharat was based out of Lahore of the Sikh Empire. Due to his family background, he was knowledgeable in Mughal miniature styles. He painted Sikh themes and was heavily influenced by the Pahari school of art, such as the Kangra style. He was the disciple of Shiva Ram of Patiala and also Purkhu of Kangra.
Basharat Ullah's son was Haji Muhammad Sharif, who also became an artist. Basharat initially wanted his son to become a watchmaker instead of an artist. Basharat had his son trained by Muhammad Hasan Khan of Delhi. Muhammad Sharif would also be employed by the Patiala Durbar until 1944.