RAS question
Miniature paintings on subjects like Ragamala, Rasik Priya, and Geet Govind reached their peak in Mewar during the reign of:
Correct answer: (A) Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-1652).
Miniature paintings on Ragamala, Rasik Priya and Geet Govind reached their peak in Mewar during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628-1652).
Explanation
Maharana Jagat Singh I is the key patron to remember for the high point of Mewar miniature painting. The IGNCA scan of Hand Book of Victoria Hall Museum of Udaipur places the climax of the Mewar school's development in his reign, when excellent works were produced, and identifies the period of Jagat Singh I as the culminating period of this style. This fits the question's themes: Bhagavata, Ramayana, Rasikapriya, Gita Govinda, Sur-Sagara and musical melodies were major ideals for illustration, while Ragamala and Rasikapriya works are also associated with the master artist Sahibdin. Therefore, the peak is attached to Jagat Singh I, not merely to the earlier beginning of the Chavand Ragamala tradition.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Maharana Amar Singh I's reign is linked with the Chavand Ragamala around 1605, but the climax of Mewar painting came later, under Jagat Singh I.
- (C) Maharana Karan Singh falls between Amar Singh I and Jagat Singh I, but his reign is treated as a continuation, not the period when the school reached its peak.
- (D) Maharana Pratap's reign is not the cited peak of manuscript-painting patronage; it is linked instead with warfare against the Mughals.
Concept
This tests patronage and chronology within the Mewar school of Rajasthani miniature painting. RAS repeats such questions because rulers, ateliers and manuscript themes are standard anchors in Rajasthan art and culture.