Comprehension:
Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:-
The accomplished tradition of painting at Bundi gave rise to one of the most outstanding Rajasthani Schools of miniature painting, Kota, which excels in the depiction of hunting scenes and reflects an exceptional excitement and obsession for animal chases. Bundi and Kota were parts of the same kingdom till 1625, when Jahangir divided the Bundi empire and awarded one part to Madhu Singh, the younger son of Rao Ratan Singh, for his bravery in defending him against his son Prince Khurram’s (Shah Jahan) rebellion in Deccan.
After its separation from Bundi, Kota had its own School, commencing in the reign of Jagat Singh (1658-1683). In the early period, the paintings of Bundi and Kota couldn’t be distinguished for several decades as Kota painters borrowed from the Bundi repertoire. Some compositions were taken verbatim from Bundi pictures. However, there is an attitude of non-conformity apparent in figural and architectural exaggerations. With a flair for drawing superseding in the following decades, the Kota style of painting became strikingly individual. By the reign of Ram Singh (1686-1708), artists had passionately enlarged their inventory to a large variety of subjects. Kota artists seem to have been the first to render landscapes as the real subject of compositions. Umed Singh (1770-1819) acceded to the throne at the age of ten years, but his regent arranged for the young king to be amused with hunting and gaming from an early age. Paintings served as flattering records of his exploits and the obsession with the chase, which became a social ritual in which even women of the court participated. Kota artists excelled in rendering animals and combat, and paintings thus reflect a characteristically spontaneous and calligraphic execution.
As per the passage, the 18th/19th century India exhibited shades of equality in society. Which of the given statements proves this?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Even the women of the court participated in the chase.
The passage says the chase became "a social ritual in which even women of the court participated". Women taking part in an activity that was usually for men is the one statement that shows a shade of equality in that society.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Umed Singh was crowned king at a tender age of ten. — Incorrect. Wrong focus: Umed Singh "acceded to the throne at the age of ten years", but the age at which a king came to the throne says nothing about equality among people.
Option 2: The Kota paintings focused on both landscapes as well as animals. — Incorrect. Wrong focus: landscapes and animals are the subjects of the paintings and say nothing about equality.
Option 3: The regent arranged for the entertainment of the young king. — Incorrect. Wrong focus: "his regent arranged for the young king to be amused with hunting", which shows royal privilege and rank, not equality.