Manuscript illustrations were methodically conceived in thematic sets (each set comprising several loose paintings or folios). Each folio of painting has its corresponding text inscribed either in the demarcated space on the upper portion of the painting or on its reverse. The most important folio-page of the set would be the colophon page, which would furnish information regarding the names of the patron, artist or scribe, date and place of commission or completion of the work, and other such important details.However, due to ravages of time, the colophon pages have often gone missing.Considered as precious and valuable artifacts and also being portable, paintings were often gifted or were also exchanged as gifts between kings and courtiers.

How did scholars compensate for missing details on colophon pages in the absence of the original information?

They used their expertise to attribute missing particulars

Answer: They used their expertise to attribute missing particulars
Scholars used their expertise to attribute missing particulars on colophon pages in the absence of the original information.

The most important folio-page of the set would be the colophon page, which would furnish information regarding the names of the patron, artist or scribe, date and place of commission or completion of the work, and other such important details. However, due to ravages of time, the colophon pages have often gone missing, compelling scholars to attribute missing particulars on the basis of their expertise. Being fragile pieces of artworks, paintings are susceptible to mishandling, fire, humidity, and other such calamities and disasters.