Scholars have proposed theories on the influences behind the Pahari School of Painting. Which styles of painting are widely accepted to have been known in the hills when this school emerged?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Mughal and Rajasthani styles
Option (1) Deccani and Mughal styles — Incorrect. Mughal fits, but Deccani is named only as a school with its own distinct features. It is not said to have reached the hills.
Option (2) Mughal and Rajasthani styles — Correct. These two styles were known in the hills, probably through Provincial Mughal examples and the family ties of hill Rajas with Rajasthan courts.
Option (3) Deccani and Rajasthani styles — Incorrect. Rajasthani fits, but Deccani is not among the styles known in the hills.
Option (4) Western Indian and Pala styles — Incorrect. These are older manuscript painting traditions. Neither is named among the styles known in the hills.
NCERT (2026-27): “The Pahari Schools of Painting …The emergence of the Pahari School remains unclear, though scholars have cautiously proposed theories concerning its beginning and influences. It is widely accepted that Mughal and Rajasthani styles of paintings were known in the hills probably through examples of Provincial Mughal style and family relationships of hill Rajas with the royal courts of Rajasthan. However, the flamboyantly bold Basohli-like style is, generally, understood to be the earliest prevailing pictorial language.” |