Vijay Sharma is a contemporary miniature artist based in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. His paintings aim at reviving the tradition of Pahari miniature painting, reminiscent of the kalam of artists such as Devidas of Basohli or Nainsukh and Manaku of Guler. His works showcase a sense of refinement and lyricism. The colours he uses imbue his works with emotion and evocative drama. Sharma is skilled in the major styles of Pahari painting such as Kangra, Guler, Chamba, and Mandi, but above all he is a master of the Basohli style. Sharma began visiting museums at the age of 13 and was fascinated by the paintings he saw there. This sparked his interest in painting and he pursued it by taking lessons from the renowned artist Mirza Ashgar Beg. After he earned his degree from Himachal Pradesh University, he travelled to Varanasi to study miniature painting at the Bharat Kala Bhavan under Vedpal Sharma. Aside from his artistic skill, Sharma is also an art critic, art historian, and a prolific writer. He has authored many books, among them are: Temple of Devikothi with Eberhard Fischer and V C Ohri and Love for Pleasure with Ludwig V Habighorst and Peter A Reichart. He also founded Shilpa Parishad, an NGO that works to promote the traditions of Pahari miniature painting in Himachal Pradesh. Through this organisation he has inspired several young artists to continue the proud tradition of Pahari miniature painting. Sharma is a part of the Himachal Academy of Art, Culture, and Language as well as the Programme Executive Committee of the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) in Patiala. Sharma remains focused on preserving the tradition of Pahari miniature painting and is a founding member of the Kangra Art Promotion Society. Sharma is the recipient of several awards and honours including the National Award of Master Craftsman in Basohli Painting in 1990 from the Ministry of Textiles; the AIFACS Award by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society in 1997, and the National Kalidas Award from the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2011. The following year, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Shri, the third highest civilian award. His paintings are in many private collections and museums. Sharma’s passion lies in Pahari paintings and he remains one of the strongest proponents of this visual art form from the hills.