The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739 marked a significant phase in the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. The resulting political chaos and the depletion of the Mughal treasury led to a decline in royal patronage for arts in Delhi, forcing artists to seek employment in regional courts.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Following Nadir Shah’s invasion and the subsequent conquest of Delhi, the Mughal court could no longer support its atelier. Consequently, many Mughal artists migrated to the relative safety of the Himalayan foothills (Pahari region) to find patronage under local Rajput chieftains.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Basohli school is the earliest known style of Pahari painting, which flourished in the late 17th century (specifically under Raja Kirpal Pal, r. 1678–1693). This predates Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739) by several decades. The migration of Mughal artists in the mid-18th century is historically associated with the development of the Kangra school (or the Guler-Kangra phase), not the founding of the Basohli school.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The artists who migrated from the Mughal court brought with them the refinement, naturalism, and delicate coloring characteristic of Mughal painting. These elements blended with the bold, emotional, and lyrical styles of the local hill traditions, significantly influencing the evolution of the Pahari schools, particularly the Kangra style.
Key Takeaway:
The Basohli school (late 17th century) predates the major migration of Mughal artists. The migration caused by Nadir Shah's invasion (1739) primarily led to the rise of the Kangra school, which represents a fusion of Mughal technique and Pahari lyricism.