The correct option is Badami Murals.
Explanation
The tradition of Indian mural painting continued after Ajanta in various regions under different dynasties. The Badami Cave temples in Karnataka, patronized by the Chalukyas of Badami in the 6th century A.D., represent the earliest surviving examples of Brahmanical (Hindu) mural art.
Detailed Analysis:
- Badami Murals: The painting in question is found in Cave No. 4 at Badami, which is a Vaishnava cave. The mural depicts a palace scene featuring Kirtivarman I (the son of Pulakeshin I) seated with his wife and feudatories, watching a dance performance. The style reflects the classical tradition of Ajanta but is adapted to the Chalukyan context.
- Pallava Murals: Found in places like Sittanavasal (Jain themes) and the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. They are distinct from the Chalukyan style and generally date slightly later or overlap with the later Chalukyan period.
- Chola Murals: Best represented in the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur (11th century A.D.). These paintings often depict Shaivite themes, such as Shiva as Tripurantaka, and are stylistically different from the earlier Badami murals.
- Vijayanagara Murals: Prominent in temples like Lepakshi (16th century A.D.). These are characterized by a flattening of the pictorial space, rigid figures, and an emphasis on textile patterns, distinct from the naturalism of Badami.
Key Takeaway:
The mural of Kirtivarman seated in the palace is a hallmark of the Badami Murals (Cave 4), representing the earliest surviving Hindu paintings under the patronage of the Chalukya dynasty.