NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 4: The Deccani Schools of Painting

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The astronomical illustrations in the 'Nujum al-Ulum' manuscript show stylistic influence from:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AEuropean Renaissance engravings
BSafavid muraqqa
COttoman Turkish manuscripts
DChinese Song dynasty albums

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is Ottoman Turkish manuscripts.

Explanation

The Nujum al-Ulum (Stars of the Sciences) is a seminal illustrated manuscript produced in the Bijapur School of Deccan painting. It was commissioned in 1570 CE during the reign of Ali Adil Shah I.

Historical and Stylistic Analysis:

The manuscript is an encyclopedic text covering astronomy, astrology, and magic, containing nearly 400 miniatures.
The illustrations depicting constellations and angels in the Nujum al-Ulum exhibit a unique style that differs from the contemporary Mughal or purely Safavid (Persian) traditions.
Art historians have identified a direct stylistic influence from Ottoman Turkish manuscripts in these astronomical diagrams. This connection highlights the cosmopolitan nature of the Deccan Sultanates, which maintained direct maritime trade and diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire, independent of the Mughal court.
While the manuscript utilizes the rich color palette characteristic of the Deccan style (such as deep blues and golds), the specific iconography of the celestial figures aligns with Ottoman artistic conventions of the period.

Key Takeaway: The Nujum al-Ulum is a masterpiece of the Bijapur School (Deccan painting) distinguished by its Ottoman Turkish influence, particularly in its astronomical illustrations.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: The Deccani Schools of Painting

Consider the following statements regarding the Tarif-i-Hussain Shahi manuscript of the Ahmadnagar School: 1. It celebrates the reign of Hussain Nizam Shah I. 2. The illustrations depicting battle scenes are considered of higher artistic interest than those depicting the queen. 3. The women represented in the paintings wear a costume that belongs entirely to the southern tradition of Lepakshi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which illustrated manuscript from the Bijapur School dated 1570 serves as an encyclopaedia of weapons, utensils, and constellations?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the Yogini painting from Bijapur: 1. It is attributed to the artist Farrukh Beg. 2. The artist prefers a horizontal composition to depict the vast landscape behind the figure. 3. The Yogini is depicted in conversation with a myna bird. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the painting Ragini Pathamsika of Raga Hindola: 1. It dates back to around 1590-95 and is believed to be from Bijapur. 2. The painting is devoid of any Persian influence and strictly follows the Rajasthani style. 3. The painting features a dark elephant in the left-hand corner as a sign of welcome. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to the painting Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrau, consider the following statements: 1. It is a court painting from the Bijapur School displaying high technical sophistication. 2. It depicts the Sufi saint listening to music played by his disciple. 3. The painting is considered naive and basic in style. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is Ottoman Turkish manuscripts.

Explanation

Historical and Stylistic Analysis:

The manuscript is an encyclopedic text covering astronomy, astrology, and magic, containing nearly 400 miniatures.
The illustrations depicting constellations and angels in the Nujum al-Ulum exhibit a unique style that differs from the contemporary Mughal or purely Safavid (Persian) traditions.
Art historians have identified a direct stylistic influence from Ottoman Turkish manuscripts in these astronomical diagrams. This connection highlights the cosmopolitan nature of the Deccan Sultanates, which maintained direct maritime trade and diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire, independent of the Mughal court.
While the manuscript utilizes the rich color palette characteristic of the Deccan style (such as deep blues and golds), the specific iconography of the celestial figures aligns with Ottoman artistic conventions of the period.

Key Takeaway: The Nujum al-Ulum is a masterpiece of the Bijapur School (Deccan painting) distinguished by its Ottoman Turkish influence, particularly in its astronomical illustrations.