Question

Which of the following styles laid the foundation for the rise of Rajasthani painting schools in the 17th century?

• A. Mughal and Deccan styles
• B. Western Indian and Chaurapanchasika styles
• C. Bengal and Tanjore styles
• D. Ajanta and Ellora murals

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Western Indian and Chaurapanchasika styles

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.