Which ruler of Kishangarh composed devotional poetry on Krishna and Radha under the pen name 'Nagari Das'?

The correct option is Sawant Singh.

Explanation

The question pertains to the cultural history of the Rajput states, specifically the intersection of literature and the visual arts in the Kishangarh court during the 18th century.

Historical Analysis:

• Raja Sawant Singh (reigned 1748-1764) was the ruler of Kishangarh. He was a devout follower of the Vallabhacharya sect of Vaishnavism.
• He was an accomplished poet and scholar who composed extensive devotional poetry dedicated to Krishna and Radha under the pen name 'Nagari Das'.
• His reign is considered the Golden Age of the Kishangarh School of Miniature Painting. The visual aesthetics of this school were deeply influenced by his poetry.
• Sawant Singh is closely associated with the master artist Nihal Chand. Together, they created the iconic 'Bani Thani' painting, which depicts Sawant Singh's muse, Vishnupriya, as Radha. Sawant Singh himself was often depicted as Krishna in these miniatures.
• Eventually, he abdicated his throne and retired to Vrindavan to spend his remaining days in religious devotion.

Key Takeaway: Raja Sawant Singh of Kishangarh wrote devotional poetry as Nagari Das and was the patron behind the famous Bani Thani painting of the Kishangarh School.