Painting at Bundi grew under a line of rulers who were patrons of art. Three of the following ruled Bundi. Which one is the odd one out?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Madhu Singh
Option (1) Rao Bhao Singh — A ruler of Bundi. He was an enthusiastic, self-indulging patron who had many portraits of himself painted.
Option (2) Umed Singh — A ruler of Bundi. Painting at Bundi reached its most accomplished phase in his reign.
Option (3) Madhu Singh — Not a ruler of Bundi. When Jahangir divided the Bundi kingdom in 1625, he gave one part to Madhu Singh. This split separated Kota from Bundi.
Option (4) Bishen Singh — A ruler of Bundi. He ruled Bundi for 48 years and was a connoisseur of art.
NCERT (2026-27): “Bundi School of Painting …The Bundi school blossomed under the patronage of two rulers — Rao Chattar Sal (1631–1659), who was made the governor of Delhi by Shahjahan and played a conspicuous role in the subjugation of the Deccan; and his son Rao Bhao Singh (1659–1682), who was an enthusiastic, self-indulging patron as revealed from numerous portraits that he commissioned of himself and other dated works. …Painting activity entered its most accomplished phase albeit for a short time during the long reign of Budh Singh’s son, Umed Singh (1749–1771), where it acquired refinement in minuteness of details. …Umed Singh’s successor Bishen Singh (1771–1821) ruled Bundi for 48 years and was a connoisseur of art.” “Kota School of Painting …Bundi and Kota were parts of the same kingdom till 1625 when Jahangir divided the Bundi empire and awarded one part to Madhu Singh, the younger son of Rao Ratan Singh (son of Bhoj Singh of Bundi), for his bravery in defending him…” |