Consider the following statements about the painting Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden: 1. It was painted by the artist Bichitra. 2. It depicts Dara Shikoh engaging in a military strategy meeting with his generals. 3. It reflects the intellectual inclination of the prince towards diverse religious thoughts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The painting Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden is a significant work from the Mughal School of Miniature Painting during the reign of Shah Jahan. It exemplifies the refined realism and technical perfection characteristic of this period, while also highlighting the personal interests of the royal subjects. - Statement 1 is Correct: This painting is attributed to the renowned Mughal artist Bichitra. Created around 1635, it showcases Bichitra’s signature style, which often included European influences, formal portraiture, and intricate detailing of hands and features. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The painting does not depict a military strategy meeting. Instead, it portrays Prince Dara Shikoh seated on a carpet in a garden, engaging in a discourse with learned men, ascetics, and sages. The atmosphere is one of philosophical contemplation rather than military action. - Statement 3 is Correct: Dara Shikoh was known for his deep interest in mysticism, Sufism, and comparative religion (he later translated the Upanishads into Persian). This painting visually represents his intellectual and spiritual inclination towards diverse religious thoughts, showing him respectfully interacting with holy men of different faiths. Key Takeaway: The painting Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden by Bichitra serves as a visual testament to the syncretic and philosophical nature of Dara Shikoh, distinct from the military or courtly themes common in other Mughal miniatures.

NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 3: The Mughal School of Miniature Painting

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements about the painting Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden:

It was painted by the artist Bichitra.
It depicts Dara Shikoh engaging in a military strategy meeting with his generals.
It reflects the intellectual inclination of the prince towards diverse religious thoughts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 3 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The painting Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden is a significant work from the Mughal School of Miniature Painting during the reign of Shah Jahan. It exemplifies the refined realism and technical perfection characteristic of this period, while also highlighting the personal interests of the royal subjects.

Statement 1 is Correct: This painting is attributed to the renowned Mughal artist Bichitra. Created around 1635, it showcases Bichitra’s signature style, which often included European influences, formal portraiture, and intricate detailing of hands and features.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The painting does not depict a military strategy meeting. Instead, it portrays Prince Dara Shikoh seated on a carpet in a garden, engaging in a discourse with learned men, ascetics, and sages. The atmosphere is one of philosophical contemplation rather than military action.
Statement 3 is Correct: Dara Shikoh was known for his deep interest in mysticism, Sufism, and comparative religion (he later translated the Upanishads into Persian). This painting visually represents his intellectual and spiritual inclination towards diverse religious thoughts, showing him respectfully interacting with holy men of different faiths.

Key Takeaway: The painting Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden by Bichitra serves as a visual testament to the syncretic and philosophical nature of Dara Shikoh, distinct from the military or courtly themes common in other Mughal miniatures.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: The Mughal School of Miniature Painting

Consider the following pairs of Pigments and their Sources used in Mughal painting: 1. Vermilion : Cinnabar 2. Ultramarine : Lapis Lazuli 3. Bright Yellow : Orpiment 4. Black : Charcoal How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

medium

With reference to the pre-Mughal and indigenous schools of painting in India, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike the Mughal style, the indigenous style emphasized a flat perspective and bold modelling of figures. 2. The indigenous style was completely replaced by the Mughal style due to the latter's optical reality and finesse. 3. The Mughal style introduced three-dimensional figure portrayal which was absent in the parallel indigenous schools. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the illustrated manuscript Hamza Nama: 1. It was a project conceived and completed entirely during the reign of Emperor Babur. 2. The paintings were executed directly on cloth rather than on paper. 3. The project was completed under the supervision of the Persian masters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad. Which of the statements given above are correct?

hard

With reference to the artistic developments under Emperor Jahangir, consider the following statements: 1. His atelier preferred mass production of manuscripts over individual high-quality artworks. 2. The practice of creating Muraqqas became popular under his patronage. 3. He employed the artist Basawan to achieve sophistication in painting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the painting Noah’s Ark from the Diwan-i Hafiz, consider the following statements: 1. It is ascribed to the artist Daswant. 2. It depicts the sons of Noah throwing Iblis out of the ark. 3. It is characterized by a vertical perspective that infuses the painting with dramatic energy. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 3: The Mughal School of Miniature Painting

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture chapters

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: This painting is attributed to the renowned Mughal artist Bichitra. Created around 1635, it showcases Bichitra’s signature style, which often included European influences, formal portraiture, and intricate detailing of hands and features.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The painting does not depict a military strategy meeting. Instead, it portrays Prince Dara Shikoh seated on a carpet in a garden, engaging in a discourse with learned men, ascetics, and sages. The atmosphere is one of philosophical contemplation rather than military action.
Statement 3 is Correct: Dara Shikoh was known for his deep interest in mysticism, Sufism, and comparative religion (he later translated the Upanishads into Persian). This painting visually represents his intellectual and spiritual inclination towards diverse religious thoughts, showing him respectfully interacting with holy men of different faiths.