RAS question
The initial chief centre of the Rajasthan School of Painting was at:
Correct answer: (D) Bundi.
Bundi was the initial chief centre of the Rajasthan School of Painting.
Explanation
Bundi was the initial chief centre of the Rajasthan School of Painting. NCERT treats Bundi as a prolific and distinct Rajasthani school, with the Bundi Ragamala of 1591 assigned to its earliest and formative phase. This fits the exam point: Bundi is not just one later regional variant but an early, important centre in the Rajasthani painting tradition. Its style is remembered for vivid nature-centred imagery: animals, birds, lush vegetation, varied flora, hills, thick jungles and water bodies. Its distinctive use of green and blue and its later influence on the Kota school make Bundi the best answer among the listed centres.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Bikaner developed its own school within the wider Rajasthani tradition, but the question asks for the initial chief centre, which is Bundi.
- (B) Jaisalmer is not presented as a major centre of the Rajasthan School of Painting in the verified NCERT discussion.
- (C) Jaipur belongs to the Rajasthani painting tradition, but its school developed later with Mughal influence, so it is not the initial chief centre.
Concept
This tests the RAS Art and Culture theme of regional schools within Rajasthani painting. It recurs because exam questions often distinguish early centres, later schools and stylistic features such as themes, colours and patronage.