Indian Paintings MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Indian Paintings - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Rajput Ragamala paintings

Key Points

• Rajput Ragamala paintings
  • Rajput art is deeply influenced by themes from Hindu mythology, including the life and exploits of Krishna.
  • Ragamala paintings depict musical modes or "ragas" and often incorporate narratives from Krishna's life to symbolize love and devotion.
  • Episodes such as Krishna's Raas Leela, his childhood pranks, or his divine romantic encounters with Radha were popular motifs in these paintings.
  • The Rajput style emphasizes vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and an emotional connection to spiritual themes, making Krishna a central figure in their artwork.

Additional Information

• Baramahi paintings
  • These are calendar-based paintings depicting the seasonal changes and their relation to human emotions, often inspired by poetry.
  • They are not primarily focused on Krishna's life but rather on seasonal themes.
• Deccani paintings
  • Deccani art reflects a blend of Persian and Indian traditions, emphasizing courtly themes and landscapes.
  • While Deccani art may include religious depictions, it does not predominantly focus on Krishna's life.
• Mughal miniatures
  • Mughal art is heavily influenced by Persian styles and primarily focuses on courtly life, portraits, and historical events.
  • Although some Mughal miniatures depict Hindu themes, they are not centered on Krishna's life as seen in Rajput art.

The correct answer is - Jivya Soma Mhase

Key Points

• Jivya Soma Mhase
  • Jivya Soma Mhase is a renowned Warli Painting artist from the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, India.
  • He is credited with bringing the traditional Warli art form to the global stage.
  • Warli paintings are a form of tribal art that use geometric patterns to depict scenes of daily life, nature, and rituals.
  • In recognition of his contributions to Indian art and culture, he was awarded the prestigious Padmashri in 2011.

Additional Information

• Warli Painting
  • Warli art originates from the Warli tribe, predominantly found in the Maharashtra-Gujarat border region.
  • This art form uses a monochromatic palette, primarily white pigment made from rice paste on mud or cow dung-treated walls.
  • Common themes include nature, farming, hunting, and celebrations.
• Padmashri Award
  • Padmashri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, recognizing distinguished contributions in various fields such as art, literature, science, and public service.
  • It is conferred by the Government of India, and recipients are announced annually on Republic Day.
  • Jivya Soma Mhase's Padmashri honor emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating India's tribal heritage.

The correct answer is - Off-shoot of Mughal miniature school

Key Points

• Off-shoot of Mughal miniature school
  • The Deccani school of miniature painting emerged as a regional variant of the Mughal miniature school.
  • It retained many stylistic elements of Mughal art, such as intricate detailing and refined use of color.
  • However, the Deccani school also incorporated local influences, leading to a unique blend of artistic traditions.
  • Understanding this origin helps to appreciate the fusion of cultural elements in Deccani miniatures.

Additional Information

• Characteristics of Deccani Miniature Painting
  • Deccani miniatures are known for their vibrant colors and rich decorative elements.
  • The influence of Persian art is evident in the floral patterns and landscape details.
  • Figures in Deccani paintings often have elongated forms and graceful poses.
• Historical Context
  • The Deccani school flourished during the 16th to 18th centuries under the patronage of the Deccan Sultanates.
  • It served as a medium to depict courtly life, mythological themes, and literary texts.
• Comparison with Other Schools
  • While the Rajasthani school is known for its bold lines and bright colors, the Deccani school is more refined and delicate.
  • The Pahari school, in contrast, often features naturalistic landscapes and devotional themes, differing from the courtly elegance of Deccani miniatures.

The correct answer is - Mansur

Key Points

• Mansur
  • Mansur was a renowned Mughal painter known for his exquisite depictions of flora and fauna.
  • He served during the reigns of Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jahangir.
  • His works are noted for their naturalistic and detailed representation of animals and birds.
  • The 'Turkey Cock' painting is one of his famous works, showcasing his skill in capturing the essence of the subject with great accuracy.

Additional Information

• Mughal Art
  • The Mughal Empire is known for its significant contributions to art and culture, particularly in painting.
  • Key characteristics include the use of vivid colors, intricate details, and a blend of Persian and Indian styles.
• Other Notable Mughal Artists
  • Mir Syed Ali: A prominent Persian painter who played a significant role in the Mughal court.
  • Nihal Chand: Known for his work during the late Mughal period, particularly in the Kishangarh school of painting.
  • Rukn-ud-Din: Another notable artist in the Mughal court, though less renowned than Mansur.
• Patronage
  • Mughal emperors like Akbar and Jahangir were great patrons of the arts, encouraging the development of a rich cultural heritage.
  • They commissioned numerous paintings, manuscripts, and architectural projects that are celebrated to this day.

The correct answer is - Kashmir and the adjoining hill areas of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh

Key Points

• Pahari school of paintings
  • Emerged in the Kashmir and the adjoining hill areas of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Known for its distinctive style that blends Indian and Persian elements.
  • Characterized by its delicate and lyrical style, often depicting themes from Hindu mythology.

Additional Information

• Historical Background
  • Flourished during the 17th to 19th centuries under the patronage of Rajput rulers.
  • Artists were often commissioned by the kings to create works that depicted their lineage and their divine right to rule.
• Famous Sub-Schools
  • Kangra
    • Famous for its naturalistic style and the depiction of Radha and Krishna.
  • Basohli
    • Noted for its bold and intense colors and strong lines.
• Key Artists
  • Nainsukh - A renowned artist who brought a realistic touch to Pahari paintings.
  • Manaku - Known for his contributions to the Basohli school.

The correct answer is Kerala.

Key Points

• Pulikkali is a recreational street folk art performed on the fourth day of Onam celebrations.
• Puli means Leopard/Tiger and Kali means Play in Malayalam.
• This folk art is mainly practiced in the Thrissur district of Kerala.
• The main theme of this folk art is tiger hunting with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.
• Performers paint their bodies like tigers and hunters and dance on streets to the beats of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda.
• This folk art was introduced by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the then Maharaja of Cochin.

Additional Information

Important Points

• Onam (August–September) is a Hindu rice harvest festival of Kerala celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali.
• Some Other Art Forms of Kerala are Ottam Thullal, Kalaripayattu, Kathakali, Mudiyettu, Mohiniyattam.

The correct answer is Bihar.

Key Points

• Madhubani Painting:
  • It originated from the Madhubani district of Bihar.
  • It is characterized by line drawings filled in by bright colours and contrasts or patterns.
  • The images of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses are depicted in these type of paintings.

The correct answer is Folk paintings.

Key Points

Patachitras

• It is done on small strips of cotton cloth, which is prepared by coating the cloth with soft white stone powder and glue made from tamarind seeds. 
• There is a practice of making the borders first.
• A sketch of the figures is, then, made directly with a brush and flat colours are applied.
• Colours, such as white, black, yellow and red are usually used. 
• After completion, the painting is held over a charcoal fire and lacquer is applied to the surface to make it water-resistant and lend sheen to it. 
• Most of the materials used in this painting are natural substances. 
• The colours are organic and locally procured.
• For example, black is obtained from lamp black, yellow and red from haritali and hingal stone respectively and white from powdered conch shells. 
• The gum of the kaitha tree is the chief ingredient, used as a base for making different pigments by adding available raw materials.
• Palm manuscripts are illustrated on a palm variety called Khar-taad.
• Paintings on these are not painted with brush but incised by a steel stylus and then filled in with ink, and sometimes tinted with paint.

The correct answer is Rectangular.

Key Points

• Punch-marked Coins
  • ​Punch-marked coins were generally rectangular or sometimes square or round in shape, either cut out of metal sheets or made out of flattened metal globules (a small spherical body). 
  • The coins were not inscribed but were stamped with symbols using dies or punches, that's why they are called punch-marked coins. 
  • These coins are found over most parts of the subcontinent and remained in circulation till the early centuries CE.
  • The Punch marked coin series can be further divided into four categories: The Taxila-Gandhara type, the Kosala type, the Avanti type, and the Magadhan type.
  • With the expansion of the Magadhan Empire, the coins that belonged to the Magadhan category replaced the other three types.
  • It must be noted that these coins do not have any legends inscribed on them which could convey the details of the kingdom.
  • Punched Marked coins were made of silver, had a standard weight but were irregular in shape.
  • The irregular shape was made by cutting up silver bars and then making the correct weight by cutting the edges of the coin.
  • These coins lack any inscriptions written in contemporary languages and were always struck in silver.
  • After the fall of the Maurya Empire and the increased influence of the Indo-Greeks,punch-marked coins were replaced by cast die struck coins as visible in the Post-Mauryan period.

Rajasthani folk art has been divided into the following types:

• Wall & ground paintings: Devra, Patwari, Sanjhi , Mandav etc.
• Cloth Paintings: Pat, Pichhwai, Phad etc.
• Painting on Paper: Paane
• Painting made on wood: Kavad
• Painting on Human Body: Mehendi, Godana

Additional Information

Phad painting is a folk painting, practiced in Rajasthan. Traditionally, this painting is done on a long piece of cloth or canvas, known as phad. Examples of this art are Devnarayan Ki Phad and Pabuji Ki Phad.

The correct answer is Ajanta.

Some important paintings at Ajanta are:

• Scenes from the Jataka stories of the life of the Gautama Buddha, the Buddha’s former lives as a bodhisattva, etc.
• Paintings of various Bodhisattvas in tribhanga pose in Cave 1:
  • Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power),
  • Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom) and
  • Padmapani (Avalokitesvara) (symbol of Buddha’s compassion).
• The Dying Princess in Cave.no 16.

The correct answer is the Kishangarh school.

Key Points

• Bani Thani refers to an Indian miniature painting painted by Nihal Chand from the Marwar school of Kishangarh.
• It portrays a woman who is elegant and graceful.
• The painting's subject, Bani Thani, was a singer and poet in Kishangarh in the time of king Sawant Singh (1748–1764).
• Inspired by Radha, Bani Thani is characterized by idealized distinct features such as arched eyebrows, lotus-like elongated eyes, and pointed chin.
• This painting was featured in an Indian stamp issued on 5 May 1973.
• The Kishangarh school of art is notable for its elongated style, with “arched eyebrows, lotus-like elongated eyes and pointed chin” a highly idealized facial form reminiscent of Indian sculpture art.
• Kishangarh was influenced by Bundi painting in its use of lush vegetation, dramatic night skies, vivid movement, and Mughal painting in its use of side-profile portraits.

The correct answer is Maharashtra.

Key Points

• Warli painting is a style of tribal art created by the people of the Warli Tribe of Maharashtra.
• Warli painting is a form of tribal art mostly created by the tribal people from the North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra, India.
• This range encompasses towns such as Dahanu, Talasari, Jawhar, Palghar, Mokhada, and Vikramgad  of Palghar district.
• This tribal art originated in Maharashtra, where it is still practiced today.
• The Warli Painting tradition in Maharashtra are among the finest examples of the folk style of paintings.
• The Warli tribe is one of the largest in India, located outside of Mumbai.
• The Warli culture is centered on the concept of Mother Nature and elements of nature are often focal points depicted in Warli painting.
• Farming is their main way of life and a large source of food for the tribe.
• They greatly respect nature and wildlife for the resources that they provide for life.
• Warli artists use their clay huts as the backdrop for their paintings, similar to how ancient people used cave walls as their canvases.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Buddha.

Key Points

•  The Ajanta and Ellora Caves is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India.
• The Ajanta caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that date from the 2^nd century BCE to about 480 CE.
• The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves depict incidents from the life of the Lord Buddha.
• The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose, and form.
• The most imposing excavation is the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.
• The Ajanta and Ellora Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

Additional Information

Maharashtra

• Maharashtra is the second most populous state in India.
• Mumbai is the financial capital of India.
• The old name of Mumbai was Bombay.
• Maharashtra is the most industrialized and most urbanized state in India.
• Maharashtra is the leading producer of electricity.
• Pune is known as the Cultural capital of Maharashtra.
• Mumbai was the first venue of the first International Film Festival of India (1952).
• The first railway line in India - Bombay to Thane (1853).
• Bombay Stock Exchange(1875) is the oldest stock exchange in India and also the first stock exchange in Asia.
• Gateway of India is situated in Mumbai.
• The headquarter of Central Railway, Western Railway, and Konkan Railway is in Mumbai.
• The headquarters of RBI, LIC, NABARD is in Mumbai.
• The first meeting of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (1885).

The correct answer is Oil Painting.

Key Points

• European artists brought with them the idea of realism.
  • This was a belief that artists had to observe carefully and depict faithfully what the eye saw.
  • What the artist produced was expected to look real and lifelike.
  • European artists also brought with them the technique of oil painting – a technique with which Indian artists were not very familiar.
  • Oil painting enabled artists to produce images that looked real. 
• Thomas Daniell and his nephew William Daniell were the most famous of the artists who painted within this tradition.
  • They came to India in 1785 and stayed for seven years, journeying from Calcutta to northern and southern India.
  • They produced some of the most evocative picturesque landscapes of Britain’s newly conquered territories in India.
  • Their large oil paintings on canvas were regularly exhibited to select audiences in Britain, and their albums of engravings were eagerly bought up by a British public keen to know about Britain’s empire.
•  Often, middle-class Indian artists set up printing presses and produced prints for a wide market.
  • They were trained in British art schools in new methods of life study, oil painting, and printmaking.
  • One of the most successful of these presses that were set up in late-nineteenth-century Calcutta was the Calcutta art studio.
• Ravi Varma belonged to the family of the Maharajas of Travancore in Kerala and was addressed as Raja.
  • He mastered the Western art of oil painting and real-life study but painted themes from Indian mythology.
  • He dramatized on canvas, scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, drawing on the theatrical performances of mythological stories that he witnessed during his tour of the Bombay Presidency.