The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The painting Bani Thani is the most celebrated work of the Kishangarh School of Rajasthani miniature painting. It was created by the artist Nihal Chand during the reign of Raja Sawant Singh (mid-18th century). The painting depicts the King’s mistress and poetess, Vishnupriya, idealized as Radha.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Raja Sawant Singh was a poet-king who wrote under the pen name Nagari Das. He composed works such as Bihari Jas Chandrika (a commentary on the Bihari Satsai). The paintings of this school were deeply influenced by his literature, serving as visual translations of his devotional poetry.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The facial features are not derived from the European Mona Lisa. The painting features highly stylized indigenous aesthetics, including elongated lotus-like eyes, high arched eyebrows, a sharp nose, and a pointed chin. It is popularly nicknamed the "Indian Mona Lisa" by art critics solely due to its enigmatic appeal and artistic significance, not because of any stylistic derivation.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Kishangarh School under Sawant Singh is renowned for the seamless fusion of poetry and painting. The visual art created by Nihal Chand was directly based on the romantic and devotional verses (Bhakti poetry) composed by the King, creating a unified artistic expression.
Key Takeaway:
Bani Thani belongs to the Kishangarh School (Marwar region) and was painted by Nihal Chand. It is distinguished by its exaggerated facial features and the use of transparent veils (odhani), symbolizing the union of divine love (Radha-Krishna) and artistic imagination.