Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Fine Arts

Chapter

The Mughal School of Miniature Painting

Question:

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

This painting is on a theme from Harivamsa. Badauni, a scholar noble in the court of Akbar, was assigned the job of translating this volume on Lord Krishna into Persian. Hari or Lord Krishna lifted the mountain, Govardhan, with all creatures dwelling therein with the intention to protect them — the villagers and their livestock, who were his followers, from torrential rain sent by another powerful God Indra. Hari uses the mountain like a huge umbrella, under which the entire village takes refuge.

Which Purana is associated with the theme of the painting "Krishna Lifts Mount Govardhan"?

1) Bhavishya Purana
2) Skanda Purana
3) Bhagavata Purana
4) Harivamsa Purana

Options:

1

2

3

4

Correct Answer:

4

Explanation:

Answer: Harivamsa Purana
The painting depicts a theme from the Harivamsa Purana.

Krishna Lifts Mount Govardhan from a dispersed Harivamsa Purana is attributed to Miskin (1585–90). It is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA. Harivamsa Purana is one of the many Sanskrit manuscripts, which were translated into Persian by the Mughals. This painting is on a theme from Harivamsa. Badauni, a scholar noble in the court of Akbar, was assigned the job of translating this volume on Lord Krishna into Persian. It is interesting to note that Badauni was famous for his orthodox religious views, much unlike Abul Fazl, another famous scholar chronicler in Akbar’s court. Hari or Lord Krishna lifted the mountain, Govardhan, with all creatures dwelling therein with the intention to protect them — the villagers and their livestock, who were his followers, from torrential rain sent by another powerful God Indra. Hari uses the mountain like a huge umbrella, under which the entire village takes refuge.