The correct option is 1570 CE.
Explanation
The Deccan School of Miniature Painting flourished in the Sultanates of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, and Golconda. The Bijapur school, particularly under the Adil Shahi dynasty, is renowned for its rich color schemes, mystical themes, and a synthesis of Persian, Ottoman, and indigenous artistic traditions.
Historical Context and Analysis
- The 'Nujum al-Ulum' (Stars of the Sciences) is one of the earliest and most significant illustrated manuscripts from the Bijapur court.
- It was commissioned during the reign of Ali Adil Shah I (1558-1580 CE).
- The manuscript is historically dated to 1570 CE.
- It is an encyclopedic work containing hundreds of miniatures illustrating astronomy, astrology, magic, and spiritual concepts. The illustrations depict constellations and angels, reflecting the deep interest of the Deccan rulers in cosmology and the occult.
- The artistic style exhibits a fusion of Islamic (Persian and Turkish) elements with the local South Indian (Vijayanagara/Lepakshi) aesthetic, particularly in the depiction of female figures and the use of vibrant colors.
Key Takeaway: The 'Nujum al-Ulum' is a seminal text of the Bijapur School of Painting, dated to 1570 CE, and produced under the patronage of Ali Adil Shah I.