RAS question
The Dhundar (Jaipur) school of painting is known for depicting:
Correct answer: (C) Court scenes, portraits, and Radha-Krishna themes with Mughal influence.
The Dhundar or Jaipur school of painting is known for court scenes, portraits, and Radha-Krishna themes with strong Mughal influence.
Explanation
The Dhundar or Jaipur school flourished under the Kachhwaha rulers, whose close links with the Mughal court shaped its visual language. That Mughal connection shows up most clearly in portraiture, refined court scenes, and technical finesse, rather than in a narrow single-theme style. The SATHEE-NCERT chapter says Jaipur painting thrived under Sawai Jai Singh, that Mughal painters were brought into the atelier, and that Radha-Krishna, Rasikapriya, Gita Govinda, Baramasa and Ragamala themes were commissioned. It also identifies portrait painting as popular, with Sahibram as an accomplished portrait painter. The option that combines court scenes, portraits and Radha-Krishna themes with Mughal influence therefore captures the school’s range.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Buddhist themes do not match the Jaipur school’s documented emphasis on courtly portraiture, Radha-Krishna subjects, Ragamala and related literary-religious themes.
- (B) Jaipur painting included court scenes, portraits, Radha-Krishna themes, hunting scenes and festivals, so describing it as only battle scenes is too narrow.
- (D) European romantic landscapes are not presented as the Jaipur school’s primary subject; the relevant influence here is Mughal, combined with Jaipur court patronage.
Concept
This tests the Rajasthani schools of painting in Rajasthan art and culture, especially how patronage, themes and external influence define each school. It recurs in RAS because Jaipur, Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh and other schools are often distinguished through subject matter and style.