Music and Paintings of Mughal Period

1. Muhammad Husayn (1575 – 1605), a contemporary of Emperor Akbar, was a

Muhammad Husayn (1575 – 1605), a contemporary of Emperor Akbar, was a

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reputed Mansabdar.
painter at Court.
Mughal General.
reputed calligrapher.
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Muhammad Husayn (1575 – 1605), a contemporary of Emperor Akbar, was a highly reputed calligrapher at the Mughal court.
Akbar bestowed upon him the title “Zarrin Qalam,” meaning “Golden Pen,” recognizing his exceptional skill in calligraphy.
Calligraphy was considered a major art form in the Mughal Empire, often used for decorating manuscripts, imperial decrees, and architectural inscriptions. Muhammad Husayn was particularly famous for his mastery of the Nastaliq script.

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2. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustra

Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

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Humayun
Akbar
Jahangir
Shah Jahan
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Emperor Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627) is widely considered the emperor who shifted the emphasis in Mughal painting from large-scale illustrated manuscripts (popular under Akbar) to individual portraits, album painting, and naturalistic studies of birds, animals, and plants. Jahangir was a keen connoisseur of art and favored realistic portraiture and detailed observation.
Jahangir’s reign marked a shift towards individual portraits and album painting in Mughal art.
Humayun brought Persian artists, laying the foundation. Akbar commissioned massive manuscript projects like the Hamzanama, employing a large number of artists and developing a distinct Mughal style blending Persian and Indian elements. While portraiture existed under Akbar, it gained unprecedented prominence and naturalism under Jahangir. Shah Jahan’s era saw refinement and formality, particularly in architectural illustration and court scenes.

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3. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements i

With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

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Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
Tansen invented many Ragas.
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Statement A is not correct. The title ‘Tansen’ was not given to him by Emperor Akbar. His original name was Ramtanu Pandey. The title ‘Tansen’ is believed to have been conferred upon him earlier, possibly by Raja Vikramajit of Gwalior or by his guru Swami Haridas’s disciples, before he joined the court of Raja Ram Singh of Rewa and subsequently Akbar’s court. Statements B, C, and D are correct. Tansen, a Hindu musician, composed many Dhrupads on Hindu deities. He also composed songs praising his patrons, such as Raja Ram Singh and Emperor Akbar. Tansen is credited with inventing several new ragas (like Miyan Ki Malhar, Miyan Ki Todi, Darbari Kanada) and refining existing ones.
The title ‘Tansen’ predates his entry into Akbar’s court.
Tansen was one of the ‘Navaratnas’ (nine gems) of Emperor Akbar’s court and is considered one of the greatest figures in Hindustani classical music. His musical lineage continues through various gharanas. His compositions are primarily in the Dhrupad style.

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4. The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

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Bundi school
Jaipur school
Kangra school
Kishangarh school
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The correct answer is D.
“Bani Thani” is a famous painting from the Kishangarh school of Rajput painting in Rajasthan. It was painted by Nihal Chand during the reign of Sawant Singh (who wrote poetry under the name Nagari Das). The painting depicts a stylized ideal of a woman, believed to be Bani Thani, a singer and poet in Sawant Singh’s court. The style is characterized by idealized facial features, elongated limbs, and delicate lines.
The Kishangarh school developed as a distinct style within the broader Rajput painting tradition. It is particularly known for its portraits, especially those related to the legend of Bani Thani and Sawant Singh, often drawing parallels with the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. The painting “Bani Thani” is sometimes referred to as the “Indian Mona Lisa”.

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5. Who among the following is credited with the introduction and populari

Who among the following is credited with the introduction and popularization of Dhrupad form of music?

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Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior
Tansen
Naik Gopal
Shaikh Bahauddin of Barnawa
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The correct answer is A) Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior.
– Raja Man Singh Tomar, the Tomar ruler of Gwalior in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, is widely credited with the significant development and popularization of the Dhrupad style of music.
– He was a great patron of music and is believed to have commissioned the composition of many Dhrupad songs. The Gwalior Gharana is historically linked to this tradition.
– Tansen was one of the most famous Dhrupad singers, part of Emperor Akbar’s court, but he lived later (16th century) than Raja Man Singh. While a master, the foundation and initial widespread patronage are attributed more strongly to Raja Man Singh.
– Naik Gopal is also mentioned in historical texts related to music, sometimes alongside figures like Amir Khusrau, but his association with the popularization of Dhrupad specifically is less prominent than that of Raja Man Singh.

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6. Consider the following statements: 1. The early Malwa school of pain

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The early Malwa school of paintings was influenced by Shirazi school while the early Mughal paintings initially followed Bihzad school.
  • 2. The major exponents of Bihzad school in India were Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is incorrect. Early Malwa school of paintings was primarily influenced by the indigenous Rajasthani style, developing from earlier traditions like the Chaurapanchasika style. It was not primarily influenced by the Shirazi school. Early Mughal paintings, however, were significantly influenced by the Persian style, particularly the Safavid school, which had masters like Bihzad. Statement 2 is correct. Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were prominent Persian painters brought to India by Humayun. They were trained in the Persian style (associated with masters like Bihzad) and were instrumental in laying the foundation for the Mughal school of painting, working on early projects like the Hamzanama. Thus, they can be considered major exponents of the Bihzad school’s influence in India.
– Malwa painting is a part of the Rajasthani school, distinct from Persian influences.
– Early Mughal painting resulted from the fusion of Persian (Safavid, associated with Bihzad) and indigenous Indian styles.
– Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were key figures in introducing the Persian style to the Mughal court.
The Malwa style developed its own characteristics from the mid-17th century onwards, known for its bold colours and simple compositions. The early Mughal school, under Akbar, flourished under the guidance of Persian masters like Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad, who supervised large workshops producing illustrated manuscripts and albums.

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7. Which one of the following musicians served at the courts of Raja Man

Which one of the following musicians served at the courts of Raja Man Singh Tomar and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat ?

Baiju Bawra
Tansen
Lal Kalawant
Rang Khan Kalawant
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The correct answer is A) Baiju Bawra.
Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior (ruled c. 1486-1516) was a renowned patron of music, particularly the Dhrupad style. Gwalior was a significant center of music during his reign. Baiju Bawra is a legendary figure strongly associated with Gwalior and the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar. Historical accounts and popular legends also link Baiju Bawra to the court of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (ruled 1526-1535, 1536-1537), mentioning his musical prowess in both regions.

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While Tansen (initially named Ramtanu Pandey) was also trained in Gwalior and likely started his career in regional courts (like Rewa), his most famous association was with the court of Emperor Akbar. Lal Kalawant and Rang Khan Kalawant are names associated with the Kalawant lineage of musicians but are not as prominently linked to the courts of both Man Singh Tomar and Bahadur Shah as Baiju Bawra is in historical accounts and legends.

Baiju Bawra is considered one of the giants of Indian classical music during the medieval period. His legacy is particularly strong in the Dhrupad tradition. Legends often portray him as a contemporary or rival of Tansen, showcasing his extraordinary musical abilities through various anecdotal stories.

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8. Who among the following was not a painter in the Mughal period ?

Who among the following was not a painter in the Mughal period ?

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Mir Sayyid Ali
Abdus Samad
Bishan Das
Baz Bahadur
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Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were two of the most prominent Persian painters brought to India by Emperor Humayun and who continued to work under Emperor Akbar, significantly influencing the development of Mughal miniature painting. Bishan Das was a renowned portrait painter during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, known for his realistic depictions. Baz Bahadur, on the other hand, was the Sultan of Malwa in the 16th century, famous for his love of music and his romantic association with Roopmati. He was not known to be a painter.
Mughal painting flourished under emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, who patronized numerous artists. Famous Mughal painters included Mir Sayyid Ali, Abdus Samad, Daswant, Basawan, Mansur, Bishan Das, and others.
Mughal painting is characterized by its fusion of Persian miniature painting traditions with indigenous Indian styles, resulting in a unique blend. It often depicted court life, historical events, portraits, nature, and illustrations of Persian and Indian literary works.

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9. Abul Hasan was one of the most eminent painters of Jahangir’s reign. H

Abul Hasan was one of the most eminent painters of Jahangir’s reign. He painted the well known Mughal Darbar scene describing

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Jahangir's accession to the throne
the arrival of Tansen
Jahangir's interaction with the people
the arrival of the Mughal court historians
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Abul Hasan, given the title ‘Nadir-uz-Zaman’ (Wonder of the Age) by Emperor Jahangir, painted a famous Mughal Darbar scene depicting Jahangir’s accession to the throne.
Abul Hasan was one of the most accomplished painters of the Mughal school during Jahangir’s reign. Jahangir was a great patron of painting and specifically commissioned Abul Hasan for important historical and ceremonial depictions. The frontispiece of the Jahangirnama (Jahangir’s memoirs) features a painting by Abul Hasan depicting the emperor’s accession.
Mughal painting under Jahangir reached a high level of sophistication, characterized by realism, detailed portraiture, and depictions of court life, nature, and historical events. Abul Hasan was particularly skilled in portraiture and complex compositions.

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10. The following six (6) items consist of two statements, Statement I and

The following six (6) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement I :
Mughal Painting reached its climax during the reign of Jahangir.
Statement II :
Aurangzeb’s Court was adorned by some of the best known artists of the Mughal School of Painting.

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Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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Statement I is true: The reign of Jahangir (1605-1627) is widely considered the zenith of Mughal painting. Jahangir was a connoisseur and patron of art, with a keen interest in naturalistic painting, portraits, and album making. Statement II is false: Emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707) was known for his relatively orthodox religious views and significantly reduced court patronage of fine arts like painting and music. Many artists dispersed from the imperial court to work in the courts of regional rulers or shifted to more calligraphic or decorative styles.
– Jahangir’s period saw significant developments in Mughal painting, including increased realism, focus on nature studies (flora and fauna), and refined portraiture.
– Artists like Ustad Mansur (famous for animal and bird paintings) and Abul Hasan (court painter) flourished under Jahangir.
– Aurangzeb’s focus was more on religious and administrative matters, leading to a decline in imperial patronage of the arts compared to his predecessors.
While Mughal painting continued in some form after Jahangir, its distinctive quality and imperial patronage significantly declined under Aurangzeb, leading to the rise of Rajput and other regional schools of painting as Mughal artists sought new patrons.

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