RAS question
Consider the following statements about Rajasthani painting schools: 1. The Bundi School is noted for its depictions of lush vegetation and lotus-filled ponds. 2. The Kota School is noted for dynamic hunting scenes with charging animals. 3. The two schools share a common origin but diverged after the 17th century. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct answer: (B) 1, 2, and 3.
Bundi paintings are marked by lush vegetation and lotus-filled water bodies, Kota by energetic hunting scenes, and both schools arose from a shared Hadoti tradition before separating after Kota became a distinct state in 1631.
Explanation
All three statements hold together because the schools are related but stylistically separable. Bundi is associated with rich flora and water bodies, including lotus-filled ponds. Britannica characterises Bundi by lush vegetation, distinctive water treatment and vivid movement, with a Kotah phase showing royal tiger hunts. Kota's separation in 1631 under Rao Madho Singh explains why a shared Hadoti base later produced two recognised schools. So statement 1 captures Bundi's landscape vocabulary, statement 2 captures Kota's hunting emphasis, and statement 3 captures the historical reason their common tradition diverged.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) It leaves out statement 1, although Bundi painting is specifically associated with lush vegetation, water bodies and lotus ponds.
- (C) It leaves out statement 2, although Kota painting is identified with energetic hunting compositions, including royal tiger-hunt scenes.
- (D) It leaves out statement 3, although the two schools shared a Hadoti base and separated after Kota became a distinct state in 1631.
Concept
This tests Rajasthani miniature painting schools through their visual motifs and their regional-political context. RAS art-and-culture questions often turn on exactly this pairing of style markers with patronage history.