How were the earlier Golconda paintings, dated 1635–1650, meant to be used?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → As wall hangings
Option (1) As illustrations in a manuscript of poems — Incorrect. Manuscript pictures fit the earliest five Golconda miniatures bound in the Diwan of Hafiz, not the paintings of 1635–1650.
Option (2) As portraits of sultans for the bazaar — Incorrect. The portraits of sultans, probably done for the bazaar, belong to the late seventeenth century, when Dutch merchants carried them to Europe.
Option (3) As pages of an illustrated encyclopaedia — Incorrect. An illustrated encyclopaedia is the Nujum al-Ulum of Bijapur, dated 1570.
Option (4) As wall hangings — Correct. The earlier Golconda paintings, at times as large as eight feet high, were made to be used as wall hangings.
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. These paintings are covered with pictorial designs, generally, figures in architectural settings of varied origin.” |