Paintings — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Cotton or Silk

• **Cotton or Silk** = A Thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk appliqué, usually depicting a deity or scene. • **Himalayan region** — Thangka paintings are characteristic of the Buddhist art tradition in this region. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Wood: Not the primary base for traditional Thangka scrolls; Stone: Not used as a base for Thangka scroll paintings; Copper: Not a material for Thangka paintings, though metals are used in sculptures or ritual objects.

Correct Answer: B. Anga (Bhagalpur)

• **Anga (Bhagalpur)** = Manjusha art is a folk art of the Anga region, which is present-day Bhagalpur in Bihar. • **'snake painting'** — Manjusha art is also known as snake painting because its narratives revolve around the legend of Bihula-Bishahari. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Mithila (Darbhanga): Known for Madhubani painting, a distinct style; Kalinga (Odisha): Associated with Pattachitra painting, not Manjusha; Magadh (Patna): Associated with the Patna School of painting, which is different from Manjusha.

Correct Answer: A. Jahangir

• **Jahangir** = Jahangir was a great connoisseur of art, and his reign saw a significant shift towards naturalism in Mughal painting. • **'Halo' or 'Nimbus'** — Under Jahangir, the use of a halo behind the emperor's head became common in Mughal portraits, signifying divine rule. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Shah Jahan: Known for architectural patronage and a more formal, decorative style of painting; Humayun: Played a role in bringing Persian artists to India, laying the foundation for Mughal art, but not known for Jahangir's specific naturalistic focus; Babur: Founded the Mughal Empire, but his reign was short, and significant art patronage started later.

Correct Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh

• **Madhya Pradesh** = Gond art is a form of painting from the Gondi tribe, which is primarily found in Madhya Pradesh. • **dots and lines** — Gond art is uniquely characterized by the use of intricate patterns of dots and lines to create a sense of movement and texture. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Odisha: Known for Saura and Pattachitra art, not Gond; Chhattisgarh: While Gonds are present, Madhya Pradesh is considered the primary origin and largest center; Jharkhand: Known for Sohrai and Khovar art, not Gond.

Correct Answer: B. Mysore

• **Mysore** = Mysore painting is a classical South Indian style that uses Gesso paste to create relief work, which is then covered with gold leaf. • **Gesso paste** — This paste (zinc oxide and Arabic gum) is crucial for creating the distinctive 3D or relief effect in Mysore paintings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kalamkari: A textile art involving block-printing and hand-painting on fabric, not known for Gesso relief; Pattachitra: Scroll painting from Odisha, done on cloth, no Gesso paste for 3D effect; Tanjore: While also using Gesso for relief, Mysore painting is distinguished by its subtle execution and attention to line work, differing from Tanjore's more elaborate and often jewel-studded ornamentation.

Correct Answer: C. Pahari School

• **Pahari School** = Basholi painting is the earliest and one of the most prominent schools of Pahari miniature art. • **'Rasamanjari'** — The 'Rasamanjari' series is the most famous illustrated set from the Basholi school, showcasing its bold style. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Sikh School: A later development, influenced by Pahari and Mughal styles, but Basholi is not part of it; Rajput School: A broad category; Pahari is a sub-school, but Basholi is specifically 'Pahari' and the question asks for the art group; Mughal School: A distinct imperial school with different aesthetic principles, not the group Basholi belongs to.

Correct Answer: B. Vishnudharmottara Purana

• **Vishnudharmottara Purana** = The Chitrasutra is a section of the Vishnudharmottara Purana that provides a detailed treatise on Indian painting. • **'Chitrasutra'** — This specific chapter is considered the most comprehensive ancient source on Indian painting principles. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Arthashastra: A treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy; Natyashastra: A treatise on performing arts, including drama, dance, and music; Kamasutra: A treatise on human sexual behavior, love, and emotional fulfillment.

Correct Answer: B. Scroll Paintings

• **Scroll Paintings** = Patuas are a community of traditional scroll painters in West Bengal who paint 'Pats' illustrating mythological or social stories. • **'Pater Gaan'** — Patua artists combine their scroll paintings with oral narration through songs called 'Pater Gaan'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Floor Alpona: Decorative floor art, often done during festivals, not what Patuas are primarily known for; Wall Murals: While some traditional artists do murals, Patuas are specifically known for scrolls; Pottery Paintings: Decoration on pottery, distinct from Patua art.

Correct Answer: C. Red and White

• **Red and White** = Most of the prehistoric rock paintings at Bhimbetka are predominantly in red and white colors. • **Mesolithic era** — The rock shelters of Bhimbetka contain paintings primarily from this era, showcasing early human artistic expression. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Blue and Yellow: Not the predominant colors in Bhimbetka rock art; Green and Black: While some black and green pigments were used, red and white are most common; Gold and Silver: These are precious pigments not associated with prehistoric rock art.

Correct Answer: A. Telangana

• **Telangana** = Nirmal paintings are a traditional art form originating from Nirmal town in Telangana. • **lacquered wood** — This specific technique of painting on lacquered wood is a defining characteristic of Nirmal art. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Odisha: Known for Pattachitra and Saura art, not Nirmal; Kerala: Known for mural paintings, not Nirmal; Tamil Nadu: Known for Tanjore and Mysore paintings, not Nirmal.