Consider the following statements about the artist Nihal Chand: 1. He is credited with introducing the realistic portraiture style of the Mughal court to Kishangarh. 2. He was the master artist of the Kishangarh School. 3. He avoided painting religious themes like Radha and Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation The Kishangarh School of painting is a prominent style within the Rajasthani School of miniature painting. It flourished in the mid-18th century under the patronage of Raja Savant Singh. The school is renowned for its distinct facial features and lyrical depiction of love. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Nihal Chand was the master artist and chief painter of the Kishangarh court during the time of Raja Savant Singh. He is most famous for creating the masterpiece "Bani Thani", often referred to as the "Indian Monalisa." - Statement 2 is Correct: While the Kishangarh school utilized the refined technique and color palette of the Mughals, it did not adopt the realistic portraiture style of the Mughal court. Instead, Nihal Chand developed a highly stylized and idealized form of facial representation characterized by elongated faces, high foreheads, pointed noses, and "lotus-like" or serpentine eyes. This stylization is distinct from Mughal naturalism. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Nihal Chand did not avoid religious themes; in fact, they were central to his work. The paintings heavily featured the theme of Radha and Krishna. It is widely believed that he depicted Raja Savant Singh as Krishna and his mistress, Bani Thani, as Radha in a divine, amorous setting. Key Takeaway: Nihal Chand is the defining artist of the Kishangarh School, famous for the "Bani Thani" painting and the stylization of features (elongated eyes and chin), primarily depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 2: The Rajasthani Schools of Painting

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements about the artist Nihal Chand:

He is credited with introducing the realistic portraiture style of the Mughal court to Kishangarh.
He was the master artist of the Kishangarh School.
He avoided painting religious themes like Radha and Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1, 2 and 3
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Kishangarh School of painting is a prominent style within the Rajasthani School of miniature painting. It flourished in the mid-18th century under the patronage of Raja Savant Singh. The school is renowned for its distinct facial features and lyrical depiction of love.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Nihal Chand was the master artist and chief painter of the Kishangarh court during the time of Raja Savant Singh. He is most famous for creating the masterpiece "Bani Thani", often referred to as the "Indian Monalisa."
Statement 2 is Correct: While the Kishangarh school utilized the refined technique and color palette of the Mughals, it did not adopt the realistic portraiture style of the Mughal court. Instead, Nihal Chand developed a highly stylized and idealized form of facial representation characterized by elongated faces, high foreheads, pointed noses, and "lotus-like" or serpentine eyes. This stylization is distinct from Mughal naturalism.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Nihal Chand did not avoid religious themes; in fact, they were central to his work. The paintings heavily featured the theme of Radha and Krishna. It is widely believed that he depicted Raja Savant Singh as Krishna and his mistress, Bani Thani, as Radha in a divine, amorous setting.

Key Takeaway:
Nihal Chand is the defining artist of the Kishangarh School, famous for the "Bani Thani" painting and the stylization of features (elongated eyes and chin), primarily depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: The Rajasthani Schools of Painting

Which of the following pairs of Rulers and Schools are correctly matched? 1. Sawai Jai Singh : Jaipur 2. Jaswant Singh : Jodhpur 3. Raja Bharmal : Amer (Jaipur) 4. Man Singh : Kishangarh Select the correct answer using the code given below:

hard

Which of the following pairs of Schools and Time Periods are correctly matched? 1. Malwa School : 1600-1700 CE 2. Mewar School (Chawand Ragamala) : 1605 CE 3. Bundi School (Chunar Ragamala) : 1591 CE 4. Kishangarh School (Founding) : 1609 CE Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

The legendary warrior Veer Durgadas Rathore, who fought against Aurangzeb, is frequently depicted in the paintings of which school?

easy

Which of the following pairs of Paintings and Schools are correctly matched? 1. Chaugan Players : Jodhpur 2. The Hour of Godhuli : Jaipur 3. Maru Ragini : Mewar 4. Raga Megha : Malwa Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

With reference to the technique and materials used in Rajasthani Schools of Painting, consider the following statements: 1. The paintings were executed on waslis, which were sheets of paper glued together. 2. The colour pigments were exclusively synthetic dyes imported from Europe. 3. On completion, the painting was burnished with an agate to provide a uniform sheen. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: The Rajasthani Schools of Painting

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture chapters

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Nihal Chand was the master artist and chief painter of the Kishangarh court during the time of Raja Savant Singh. He is most famous for creating the masterpiece "Bani Thani", often referred to as the "Indian Monalisa."
Statement 2 is Correct: While the Kishangarh school utilized the refined technique and color palette of the Mughals, it did not adopt the realistic portraiture style of the Mughal court. Instead, Nihal Chand developed a highly stylized and idealized form of facial representation characterized by elongated faces, high foreheads, pointed noses, and "lotus-like" or serpentine eyes. This stylization is distinct from Mughal naturalism.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Nihal Chand did not avoid religious themes; in fact, they were central to his work. The paintings heavily featured the theme of Radha and Krishna. It is widely believed that he depicted Raja Savant Singh as Krishna and his mistress, Bani Thani, as Radha in a divine, amorous setting.