Which ruler is associated with the earliest phase of Bundi painting, particularly the Bundi Ragamala dated 1591?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Bhoj Singh
Option (1) Rao Bhao Singh — Incorrect. He ruled later (1659–1682) and was a self-indulging patron who commissioned many portraits of himself.
Option (2) Bhoj Singh — Correct. The Bundi Ragamala of the earliest and formative phase was painted at Chunar in the reign of Bhoj Singh, the Hada Rajput ruler.
Option (3) Aniruddha Singh — Incorrect. Innovations in Bundi painting came in his reign (1682–1702), long after the earliest phase.
Option (4) Rao Chattar Sal — Incorrect. Bundi painting blossomed under him (1631–1659) and his son, after its earliest phase.
NCERT (2026-27): “Bundi School of Painting A prolific and distinct school of painting flourished in Bundi in the seventeenth century, which is remarkable for its unblemished colour sense and excellent formal design. Bundi Ragamala dated 1591, assigned to the earliest and formative phase of Bundi painting, has been painted at Chunar in the reign of Bhoj Singh (1585–1607), the Hada Rajput ruler.” |