Question

Which of the following is true about the regional schools of painting in Rajasthan during the 17th and 18th centuries?

• A. They all strictly followed Mughal painting techniques without any local variations.
• B. They developed distinct styles inspired by regional traditions and diverse literary sources.
• C. They focused exclusively on religious texts from outside India.
• D. They originated only in the 19th century as a response to British colonial art.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. They developed distinct styles inspired by regional traditions and diverse literary sources.

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.