Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Fine Arts

Chapter

The Pahari Schools of Painting

Question:

Observe the image, read the passage given below and answer the following questions:

Rama learns of his exile and prepares to leave Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Maintaining equanimity of mind, Rama indulges in his last acts of giving away his possessions. At the request of Rama, his brother piles up his belongings and the crowd begins to gather to receive the largesse of their beloved Rama — jewellery, sacrificial vessels, thousand cows and other treasures.

The painting associated with the Pahari school is depicted in which of the following sets?

Options:

Shangri Ramayana

Balkanda Ramayana

Bhautik Ramayana

Banavasa Ramayana

Correct Answer:

Shangri Ramayana

Explanation:

Rama distributes his belongings in the Ayodhya Kanda scene, depicted in the Shangri Ramayana, dating from 1690 to 1700, currently housed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA.

Rama learns of his exile and prepares to leave Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Maintaining equanimity of mind, Rama indulges in his last acts of giving away his possessions. At the request of Rama, his brother piles up his belongings and the crowd begins to gather to receive the largesse of their beloved Rama — jewellery, sacrificial vessels, thousand cows and other treasures. Set apart on the left are the two princes with Sita standing on a carpet with a crowd of recipients moving towards them. The painter carefully introduces different types — recluses, Brahmins, courtiers, commoners and servants of the royal household. The bounteous gifts represented are pile of gold coins and garments on the carpet, and cows and calves unaware of the momentous event, beseechingly looking at Rama with necks stretched, gazes fixed and mouths wide open. The gravity of the situation is sensitively portrayed through varying expressions — the serene but gently smiling Rama, curious Lakshmana, an apprehensive Sita, Brahmins willing to receive but with no pleasure, and others with expressions of disbelief and gratitude. Taking pleasure in achieving fine effects, the artist delightfully depicts transparency of the garment Rama is holding out, stippled beard on the cheek and chin of the Brahmins, tilak marks, jewellery and weapons.