RAS question
The Mughal painting tradition reached its zenith during the reign of:
Correct answer: (C) Jahangir.
The Mughal painting tradition reached its zenith during Jahangir's reign.
Explanation
NIOS states that the Mughal school of painting reached its zenith under Jahangir. The reason is not merely chronology: Jahangir had a deep personal appreciation for art and nature, and his court drew painters who excelled in refined, naturalistic work. Jahangir's court included Mansur and Abul Hasan; Mansur was especially associated with animal and bird studies and was honoured as Nadir-ul-Asr, the Wonder of the Age. Mughal painting developed under a longer line of Mughal patrons from Akbar to Shah Jahan, but Jahangir's reign marked the high point of the school. Jahangir is therefore the best answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Akbar was an important patron who helped Mughal painting flourish, but NIOS places the school's zenith under Jahangir, not Akbar.
- (B) Aurangzeb did not represent the zenith of Mughal painting because, owing to his orthodox views and political preoccupations, he stopped patronising music and painting.
- (D) Shah Jahan continued Mughal patronage and is more strongly associated with architecture, while the peak of Mughal painting is attributed to Jahangir.
Concept
Medieval Indian cultural history includes the Mughal school of painting and court patronage. RAS art-and-culture preparation often requires candidates to connect rulers with the cultural forms that peaked under their patronage.