Question

What subject is commonly depicted in the earliest Golconda paintings from around 1590 CE?

• A. Battle scenes and royal portraits
• B. Dancing girls entertaining an audience
• C. Religious icons and temple murals
• D. Mythological creatures and gods

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Dancing girls entertaining an audience

Golconda Style of Painting The Golconda School of painting flourished under the patronage of the Qutub Shahi rulers. The earliest works attributed to this style include a set of five delightful paintings from around 1590 CE, created during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (1580–1611). These artworks depict dancing girls entertaining an audience. Other notable examples of Golconda painting include Lady with the Myna Bird (circa 1605 CE), an illustrated manuscript of a Sufi poem dated between 1605 and 1615 CE, now housed in the British Museum, London, and two finely detailed portraits—one of a poet in a garden and another of a well-dressed young man seated on a golden stool reading a book. Both portraits are signed by the artist Muhammad Ali and are part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.