The correct Answer is 1 and 2 only
Explanation
This question assesses knowledge of significant illustrated manuscript texts and their associated regions or artistic schools in medieval Indian art history.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Nimatnama : Mandu
- Correct. The Nimatnama-i-Nasiruddin-Shahi, also known as the 'Book of Delights' or 'Book of Recipes', is a significant illustrated manuscript from the Malwa Sultanate. It was commissioned by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khalji and completed during the reign of his son Nasir-ud-din Khalji in Mandu around 1500 CE. Its style reflects a blend of indigenous Indian and Persian influences.
- Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita : Gujarat
- Correct. The Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 verses) is an important Buddhist text. While many versions exist, illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts of this text were produced in Western India, particularly Gujarat, during the medieval period (e.g., 11th-12th centuries). These manuscripts are characteristic examples of the Western Indian miniature painting style.
- Kalpasutra : Eastern India
- Incorrect. The Kalpasutra is a Jain sacred text that recounts the life of Mahavira and other Tirthankaras. Illustrated manuscripts of the Kalpasutra are primarily associated with the Western Indian school of painting, particularly from Gujarat and Rajasthan, dating from the 13th to 16th centuries. Eastern India is known for Buddhist palm-leaf manuscripts, not typically Jain Kalpasutra manuscripts.
- Chaurpanchashika : Pala School
- Incorrect. The Chaurpanchashika (Fifty Stanzas of the Thief) is a Sanskrit love lyric attributed to Bilhana. Illustrated manuscripts of the Chaurpanchashika are associated with a distinct style of painting that emerged in Western India (Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh) around the mid-16th century, often referred to as the "Chaurpanchashika style" or "Kulhadar group." This style predates and influenced early Mughal painting and is distinct from the Pala school, which flourished in Eastern India (Bengal and Bihar) from the 8th to 12th centuries and primarily produced Buddhist palm-leaf manuscripts.
Key Takeaway
Specific manuscript texts are often strongly associated with particular regional art schools or periods in Indian painting, such as Nimatnama with Mandu, Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita with Western India/Gujarat, and Kalpasutra with Western India.