Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Fine Arts

Chapter

The Manuscript Painting Tradition

Question:

What material were early Jain paintings traditionally done on before the introduction of paper?

1) Papyrus
2) Canvas
3) Palm leaves
4) Animal hides

Options:

1

2

3

4

Correct Answer:

3

Explanation:

Early Jain paintings were traditionally done on palm leaves before paper was introduced in the fourteenth century and the earliest surviving palm leaf manuscript from the western part of India dates back to the eleventh century. The palm leaves were adequately treated before painting and the writing was etched upon the leaves with a sharp calligraphic device. Owing to the narrow and small space on palm leaves, painting, initially, was largely confined to patlis that were liberally painted in bright colours with images of gods and goddesses, and incidents from the lives of Jain acharyas.