This Kota painting of 1695 shows a ruler hunting lions at Mukundgarh. During his reign (1686–1708), Kota artists enlarged their inventory to a large variety of subjects. They also seem to have been the first to render landscape as the real subject of compositions.
Which ruler is shown hunting in the painting described above?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Ram Singh I
Option (1) Zalim Singh — Incorrect. Zalim Singh was the powerful regent who governed while young Umed Singh went hunting. He was not the king of 1686–1708.
Option (2) Ram Singh I — Correct. The painting is Maharaja Ram Singh I of Kota hunting lions at Mukundgarh. Kota artists widened their subjects in his reign (1686–1708).
Option (3) Jagat Singh — Incorrect. Kota’s own school began around the 1660s under Jagat Singh (1658–1683), before this reign.
Option (4) Umed Singh — Incorrect. Umed Singh (1770–1819) spent most of his time hunting, but he ruled about a century later.
NCERT (2026-27): “Kota School of Painting …After its separation from Bundi, Kota had its own school, commencing around 1660s in the reign of Jagat Singh (1658–1683). …By the reign of Ram Singh I (1686–1708), artists had passionately enlarged their inventory to a large variety of subjects. Kota artists seem to have been the first to render landscape as the real subject of compositions. Umed Singh (1770–1819) acceded to the throne at the age of 10 years. But his powerful regent Zalim Singh arranged for the young king to be amused with hunting while he governed the affairs of the state.”
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