The painters of the Mughal atelier obtained their colours from natural sources. Which source gave them the vermilion colour?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Cinnabar
Option (1) Cinnabar — Correct. Vermilion was obtained from cinnabar.
Option (2) Orpiment — Incorrect. Orpiment gave bright yellow, not vermilion.
Option (3) Charcoal — Incorrect. Charcoal was used for lampblack, a black colour.
Option (4) Lapiz Lazuli — Incorrect. Lapiz Lazuli gave ultramarine, a deep blue.
NCERT (2026-27): “Colours and Technique of Mughal Painting …Once the painting was complete, agate, a gemstone, was used to burnish the work to set the colours and give desired radiance to the painting. Some of the pigments and colours achieved from those were — vermilion from cinnabar, ultramarine from Lapiz Lazuli, bright yellow from orpiment, shells grounded for making white and lampblack from charcoal. Gold and silver powders were mixed with colours or sprinkled to add extravagance to a painting.” |