The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Kerala mural tradition flourished between the 16th and 18th centuries, primarily adorning the walls of temples and palaces. This style is distinct for its vibrant colors, elaborate ornamentation, and strong connection to the region's performing arts and rituals.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The visual language of Kerala murals evolved significantly from the local theatrical and ritual traditions. The dynamic postures, elaborate costumes, and facial expressions in the paintings take direct cues from Kathakali (classical dance-drama) and Kalam ezhuthu (ritualistic floor paintings made with colored powders).
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the Vijayanagara style is characterized by a strictly flat, two-dimensional rendering of figures, Kerala murals are distinct in their treatment of form. Kerala artists utilized shading and fluid lines to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality. The figures appear rounded and sculptural, unlike the flat profiles seen in Vijayanagara or Nayaka paintings.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The thematic content of these murals is almost exclusively religious. They depict narratives from Hindu mythology, drawing extensively from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, often illustrating specific episodes involving deities like Krishna, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Key Takeaway:
Kerala murals are distinguished by their voluminous, three-dimensional figures and their stylistic derivation from the performing arts of Kathakali and Kalam ezhuthu, contrasting with the flat style of the Vijayanagara tradition.