Which one of the following best describes the concept of ‘Miniature Painting’?
(a) A painting which illustrates religious texts and ancient myths by painting on palm leaves which originated during the rule of Pala empire.
(b) An intricate wall painting traditionally created by the tribal women on their red mud-coated houses, as well as rangoli floor designs.
(c) A painting used for designing, decorating and finishing many mundane objects and a highly developed and important means of religious expression.
(d) An age-old tribal traditional painting based on nature themes like forest, people and animals which is done by tribal women using natural ingredients such as different shades of clay and charcoal.

Question

Which one of the following best describes the concept of &lsquo;Miniature Painting&rsquo;?
(a) A painting which illustrates religious texts and ancient myths by painting on palm leaves which originated during the rule of Pala empire.
(b) An intricate wall painting traditionally created by the tribal women on their red mud-coated houses, as well as rangoli floor designs.
(c) A painting used for designing, decorating and finishing many mundane objects and a highly developed and important means of religious expression.
(d) An age-old tribal traditional painting based on nature themes like forest, people and animals which is done by tribal women using natural ingredients such as different shades of clay and charcoal.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Miniature paintings are small, highly detailed paintings that originated in India around the Pala Empire (8th&ndash;12th century CE). These paintings were traditionally created on palm leaves and depicted religious themes, including Buddhist texts and Jataka tales. Later, during the Mughal, Rajput, and Deccan periods, the art form evolved, incorporating intricate details and vibrant colors.

Option (a) is correct because it accurately describes the early form of miniature paintings during the Pala period.

Other incorrect options:

	Option (b) refers to tribal and folk art like Madhubani or Warli, not Miniature Painting.
	Option (c) refers to decorative and applied art forms, which are different from Miniature Paintings.
	Option (d) refers to tribal art styles like Warli and Sohrai, not Miniature Painting.

Indian Painting Styles

Miniature Painting

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which one of the following best describes the concept of ‘Miniature Painting’? (a) A painting which illustrates religious texts and ancient myths by painting on palm leaves which originated during the rule of Pala empire. (b) An intricate wall painting traditionally created by the tribal women on their red mud-coated houses, as well as rangoli floor designs. (c) A painting used for designing, decorating and finishing many mundane objects and a highly developed and important means of religious expression. (d) An age-old tribal traditional painting based on nature themes like forest, people and animals which is done by tribal women using natural ingredients such as different shades of clay and charcoal.