The correct option is
1 only
Explanation
M.A.R. Chughtai (Abdur Rahman Chughtai, 1897-1975) was a renowned painter associated with the revival of the Mughal miniature tradition and the Bengal School of Art. He is celebrated for creating a distinct style that fused traditional Persian and Mughal aesthetics with Art Nouveau influences.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: M.A.R. Chughtai belonged to a family of traditional craftsmen and architects. He was a descendant of Ustad Ahmed Lahori, the chief architect of the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Delhi. This lineage deeply influenced his artistic inclination towards Mughal aesthetics.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Chughtai’s painting style did not avoid calligraphic lines; on the contrary, it was defined by them. His work is famous for its lyrical, flowing, and rhythmic lines inspired by Islamic calligraphy (specifically the Nasta'liq script) and the Art Nouveau style. He translated the grace of calligraphy into the contours of his figures.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While Chughtai is widely acclaimed for his illustrations of Islamic poetry (such as the works of Ghalib, Iqbal, and Omar Khayyam) and Indo-Islamic legends, he did not strictly avoid Hindu mythology. In the spirit of the Bengal School and the broader Indian art revival, he painted subjects from Hindu mythology, including depictions of Radha, Krishna, and characters from the epics.
Key Takeaway:
M.A.R. Chughtai is known as the "painter of the East" who modernized the Mughal Miniature tradition by integrating it with calligraphic lines and Art Nouveau, depicting both Islamic legends and Hindu mythological themes.