The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Mughal painting is characterized by a synthesis of Persian (Safavid), Indian (indigenous), and European influences. While the foundation was Indo-Persian, the exposure to European art brought significant changes in technique, particularly regarding realism, perspective, and the treatment of light.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: While the initial contact with European paintings occurred during Akbar’s reign (through Jesuit missionaries), the deep integration of European art sensibilities-such as psychological portraiture, allegorical symbolism, and scientific naturalism-became a defining feature of the Indo-Iranian style during Jahangir’s reign. Under Jahangir, the style moved away from the crowded, action-packed manuscripts of Akbar’s time to refined, individualistic works that heavily utilized European techniques.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Jahangir was a keen connoisseur of art and showed immense interest in European paintings. He received European artworks from Jesuit missionaries and diplomats like Sir Thomas Roe. Far from prohibiting them, he encouraged his court artists to study and copy these works, leading to the adoption of Western elements like the halo and three-dimensional modeling.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The influence of European art in Jahangir’s era is distinctly visible in the use of spatial depth (perspective), naturalistic representation of flora and fauna, and the technique of chiaroscuro (use of light and shade to create volume). Artists like Abul Hasan and Mansur excelled in incorporating these realistic elements, moving beyond the flat, two-dimensional style of earlier Persian traditions.
Key Takeaway: Jahangir’s reign represents the zenith of Mughal painting, distinguished by the assimilation of European naturalism, the use of perspective, and a shift towards portraiture and nature studies, contrasting with the dynamic narrative style of Akbar’s era.