What role did Dutch merchants play in spreading Golconda’s art in the late seventeenth century?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → They carried the portraits of sultans to Europe
Option (1) They carried the portraits of sultans to Persia — Incorrect. The Dutch merchants took the portraits to Europe, not to Persia. Persia comes up only in Golconda’s trade in painted cottons.
Option (2) They carried painted cottons to Persia — Incorrect. Painted cottons come up in Golconda’s trade with Persia. They are not linked with the Dutch merchants.
Option (3) They carried the portraits of sultans to Europe — Correct. Dutch merchants took the portraits of the sultans to Europe, and Golconda’s art became popular there.
Option (4) They carried the wall hangings to Europe — Incorrect. The wall hangings are the earlier Golconda paintings of 1635–1650. The Dutch merchants carried portraits, not these.
NCERT (2026-27): “Golconda School of Painting …Golconda’s art became popular as Dutch merchants carried the portraits of sultans in the late seventeenth century to Europe. These were probably done for the bazaar and had references to royal paintings. The earlier Golconda paintings, dated 1635–1650, at times as large as eight feet high, were made to be used as wall hangings.…” |