The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The Jain School of Painting, also known as the Western Indian School, flourished primarily in Gujarat and Rajasthan. A significant evolution in this school was the transition of the painting medium from palm leaf to paper, which influenced the style and scale of the illustrations.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The tradition of painting in Western India can be traced back to ancient times, but the earliest surviving examples are palm-leaf manuscripts. These manuscripts date back to the eleventh century (specifically around 1060 AD).
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Paper was introduced in Western India much earlier than the nineteenth century. The transition from palm leaf to paper began around the fourteenth century. By the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, paper had largely supplanted palm leaf as the preferred medium, allowing for larger and more elaborate compositions.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Painting on palm leaves was not avoided; it was the standard medium for centuries before the advent of paper. Despite the narrow and fragile nature of palm leaves, artists extensively used them for religious texts and illustrations (such as the Kalpasutra) until paper became widely available.
Key Takeaway:
The Western Indian (Jain) School of Painting transitioned from palm leaf to paper in the 14th century, not the 19th. The earliest surviving palm leaf manuscripts date to the 11th century.