Question 77 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Art and Culture

Question

The well-known painting 'Bani Thani' belongs to the

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Kishangarh school

Strategy: Identify 'Bani Thani' with the Kishangarh style, known for its graceful, idealized female figures with arched eyebrows, elongated eyes, and pointed chin. Eliminate other Rajasthani and Pahari schools that lack this iconic painting. The direct recall of the Kishangarh link ensures correct selection.

Key Info: Bani Thani is a celebrated work from the Kishangarh school of miniature painting, which developed in the 18th century in Rajasthan under Raja Sawant Singh. Painted by Nihal Chand, Bani Thani depicts a court singer and poetess, often considered the Indian Mona Lisa.

The Kishangarh style is distinguished by:
*   Elongated facial features
*   Stylized eyes
*   High-arched eyebrows
*   Heavily ornamented subjects

This school is noted for its romantic and devotional themes, especially Radha-Krishna imagery.

Other schools:
*   **Bundi and Jaipur:** Rajasthani schools with distinct styles. Bundi focuses on lush landscapes, while Jaipur emphasizes vibrant colors and court scenes.
*   **Kangra:** A Pahari school known for its soft, lyrical, and naturalistic style, centering on Krishna-Radha themes, but unrelated to Bani Thani.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Bundi school

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Jaipur school

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Kangra school