Consider the following statements regarding the classification of paintings by Anand Coomaraswamy: 1. He coined the term ‘Mughal Paintings’ to describe the indigenous art of Rajasthan. 2. He included the Pahari Schools within the ambit of Rajput Schools. 3. The nomenclature represented the indigenous tradition prevalent in the mainland before the Mughal conquest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation In 1916, scholar Anand Coomaraswamy published "Rajput Painting," where he provided the first systematic classification of Indian miniature paintings. He distinguished the indigenous Hindu traditions of painting from the Persian-influenced court art of the Mughals. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Anand Coomaraswamy coined the term ‘Rajput Paintings’ (not Mughal Paintings) to describe the indigenous art of Rajasthan and the Hill states. He specifically differentiated this style from the art of the Mughal court. - Statement 2 is Correct: Under the classification of 'Rajput Paintings', Coomaraswamy included two main categories: the Rajasthani Schools (covering the plains of Rajasthan) and the Pahari Schools (covering the Hill states of the Punjab and Himalayas). He viewed them as part of a single cultural tradition. - Statement 3 is Correct: Coomaraswamy argued that the Rajput school represented a direct continuation of the indigenous Indian traditions prevalent in the mainland before the Mughal conquest. He posited that unlike Mughal art, which was eclectic and realistic, Rajput art was static, lyrical, and rooted in the older vernacular and devotional traditions of India. Key Takeaway: Anand Coomaraswamy classified Indian miniatures into Mughal (aristocratic and realistic) and Rajput (indigenous and lyrical). The Rajput category encompasses both the Rajasthani and Pahari schools.

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

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Consider the following statements regarding the classification of paintings by Anand Coomaraswamy:

He coined the term ‘Mughal Paintings’ to describe the indigenous art of Rajasthan.
He included the Pahari Schools within the ambit of Rajput Schools.
The nomenclature represented the indigenous tradition prevalent in the mainland before the Mughal conquest.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

In 1916, scholar Anand Coomaraswamy published "Rajput Painting," where he provided the first systematic classification of Indian miniature paintings. He distinguished the indigenous Hindu traditions of painting from the Persian-influenced court art of the Mughals.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Anand Coomaraswamy coined the term ‘Rajput Paintings’ (not Mughal Paintings) to describe the indigenous art of Rajasthan and the Hill states. He specifically differentiated this style from the art of the Mughal court.
Statement 2 is Correct: Under the classification of 'Rajput Paintings', Coomaraswamy included two main categories: the Rajasthani Schools (covering the plains of Rajasthan) and the Pahari Schools (covering the Hill states of the Punjab and Himalayas). He viewed them as part of a single cultural tradition.
Statement 3 is Correct: Coomaraswamy argued that the Rajput school represented a direct continuation of the indigenous Indian traditions prevalent in the mainland before the Mughal conquest. He posited that unlike Mughal art, which was eclectic and realistic, Rajput art was static, lyrical, and rooted in the older vernacular and devotional traditions of India.

Key Takeaway:

Anand Coomaraswamy classified Indian miniatures into Mughal (aristocratic and realistic) and Rajput (indigenous and lyrical). The Rajput category encompasses both the Rajasthani and Pahari schools.

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:

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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:

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

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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:

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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?

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The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Anand Coomaraswamy coined the term ‘Rajput Paintings’ (not Mughal Paintings) to describe the indigenous art of Rajasthan and the Hill states. He specifically differentiated this style from the art of the Mughal court.
Statement 2 is Correct: Under the classification of 'Rajput Paintings', Coomaraswamy included two main categories: the Rajasthani Schools (covering the plains of Rajasthan) and the Pahari Schools (covering the Hill states of the Punjab and Himalayas). He viewed them as part of a single cultural tradition.
Statement 3 is Correct: Coomaraswamy argued that the Rajput school represented a direct continuation of the indigenous Indian traditions prevalent in the mainland before the Mughal conquest. He posited that unlike Mughal art, which was eclectic and realistic, Rajput art was static, lyrical, and rooted in the older vernacular and devotional traditions of India.

Key Takeaway: