Question

Which of the following correctly describes the development of Rajasthani painting in the 17th and 18th centuries?

• A. It was solely influenced by European art and focused mainly on court portraits.
• B. It evolved independently without any influence from earlier traditions.
• C. It drew from diverse literary and religious themes and developed into regional schools like Mewar, Bundi-Kotah, and Kishangarh.
• D. It began only in the 19th century and was restricted to the Marwar region.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It drew from diverse literary and religious themes and developed into regional schools like Mewar, Bundi-Kotah, and Kishangarh.

Rajasthan Paintings In the 17th and 18th centuries, new schools of painting emerged in Rajasthan and Central India. These schools drew inspiration from a wide range of themes, including episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, Siva Purana, Naishadacharita, Usha-Aniruddha, Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, Bhanudatta’s Rasamanjari, Amaru Shataka, Kesavadasa’s Rasikapriya, Bihari Satasai, and the Ragamala series. Even before this, during the 16th century, early artistic traditions such as the 'Western Indian' and 'Chaurapanchasika' styles were already present in Central India and Rajasthan. These earlier forms laid the foundation for the development of the various regional painting schools that flourished in the 17th century. Notable among these were the Malwa, Mewar, Bundi-Kotah, Amber-Jaipur, Bikaner, Marwar, and Kishangarh schools.