The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
The reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627) is considered the golden age of Mughal painting. His patronage marked a decisive shift from the large-scale, collaborative manuscript illustrations characteristic of Akbar’s era to refined, individualistic works focusing on naturalism, psychological portraiture, and scientific studies of flora and fauna.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The preference for mass production of illustrated manuscripts (such as the Hamzanama) was a feature of Emperor Akbar’s large atelier. Under Jahangir, the imperial atelier was downsized to retain only the most skilled masters. The focus shifted from narrative manuscripts to individual, high-quality single-sheet paintings.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The practice of compiling Muraqqas (albums) flourished under Jahangir. These albums consisted of individual paintings and calligraphy specimens mounted on pages with elaborately decorated floral borders, reflecting the emperor's connoisseurship.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect. Basawan was a leading master artist in the court of Emperor Akbar, renowned for his work in manuscripts like the Razmnama and Akbarnama. While his son, Manohar, became a prominent artist under Jahangir, Basawan is primarily associated with the Akbari style. The artists most central to Jahangir’s quest for sophistication and naturalism were Ustad Mansur (nature studies) and Abul Hasan (portraits).
Key Takeaway:
Jahangiri painting is characterized by the decline of manuscript illustration, the rise of the Muraqqa (album), and a focus on naturalism led by artists like Ustad Mansur and Abul Hasan, distinct from the Akbari tradition of Basawan and Daswanth.