With reference to the materials used in Western Indian manuscripts, consider the following statements: 1. Early Jain paintings were traditionally done on copper plates. 2. Paper was introduced in Western India in the fourteenth century. 3. Wooden covers called patlis were placed on top and bottom of the manuscript for protection. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only Explanation The Western Indian School of painting, predominantly associated with Jain texts, flourished in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. The material history of these manuscripts is defined by a significant transition in the base medium used for illustrations and text. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Early Jain paintings (dating from the 11th century) were traditionally executed on palm leaves (Talapatra), not copper plates. While copper plates were historically used for inscriptions and land grants, the tradition of illuminated manuscripts in Western India began on palm leaves. - Statement 2 is Correct: Paper was introduced in Western India during the fourteenth century. This shift from palm leaf to paper allowed for larger pages and more elaborate compositions. By the late 14th century, paper had become the dominant medium for Jain manuscripts. - Statement 3 is Correct: Manuscripts, particularly those on palm leaves, consisted of loose leaves. To protect them, wooden covers called Patlis were placed on the top and bottom of the stack. These wooden covers were often painted with decorative figures or scenes and bound together with a cord. Key Takeaway: The Western Indian School of painting is historically significant for the transition from palm leaf to paper manuscripts in the 14th century and the use of decorative wooden covers (Patlis) for protection.

NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 1: The Manuscript Painting Tradition

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With reference to the materials used in Western Indian manuscripts, consider the following statements:

Early Jain paintings were traditionally done on copper plates.
Paper was introduced in Western India in the fourteenth century.
Wooden covers called patlis were placed on top and bottom of the manuscript for protection.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only

Explanation

The Western Indian School of painting, predominantly associated with Jain texts, flourished in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. The material history of these manuscripts is defined by a significant transition in the base medium used for illustrations and text.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Early Jain paintings (dating from the 11th century) were traditionally executed on palm leaves (Talapatra), not copper plates. While copper plates were historically used for inscriptions and land grants, the tradition of illuminated manuscripts in Western India began on palm leaves.
Statement 2 is Correct: Paper was introduced in Western India during the fourteenth century. This shift from palm leaf to paper allowed for larger pages and more elaborate compositions. By the late 14th century, paper had become the dominant medium for Jain manuscripts.
Statement 3 is Correct: Manuscripts, particularly those on palm leaves, consisted of loose leaves. To protect them, wooden covers called Patlis were placed on the top and bottom of the stack. These wooden covers were often painted with decorative figures or scenes and bound together with a cord.

Key Takeaway:
The Western Indian School of painting is historically significant for the transition from palm leaf to paper manuscripts in the 14th century and the use of decorative wooden covers (Patlis) for protection.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The Manuscript Painting Tradition

Consider the following statements regarding the Pala School: 1. It was patronised exclusively by the Rashtrakuta dynasty. 2. It flourished in the 11th and 12th centuries. 3. It ended with the rise of the Gupta Empire. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The 'Chitrasutra', a seminal treatise on the canons of Indian painting, forms a part of the:

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The Western Indian School of painting was primarily centred in the region of:

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The 'Nimatnama' manuscript, illustrated during the reign of the Malwa Sultans, is primarily a book of:

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In the tradition of Indian manuscript paintings, what does the term ‘colophon page’ denote?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: The Manuscript Painting Tradition

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Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Early Jain paintings (dating from the 11th century) were traditionally executed on palm leaves (Talapatra), not copper plates. While copper plates were historically used for inscriptions and land grants, the tradition of illuminated manuscripts in Western India began on palm leaves.
Statement 2 is Correct: Paper was introduced in Western India during the fourteenth century. This shift from palm leaf to paper allowed for larger pages and more elaborate compositions. By the late 14th century, paper had become the dominant medium for Jain manuscripts.
Statement 3 is Correct: Manuscripts, particularly those on palm leaves, consisted of loose leaves. To protect them, wooden covers called Patlis were placed on the top and bottom of the stack. These wooden covers were often painted with decorative figures or scenes and bound together with a cord.