With reference to the painting 'Kaliya Mardana' from the Bhagvata Purana, consider the following statements: 1. It depicts Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. 2. It was painted around 1785. 3. It is housed in the National Museum, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The painting 'Kaliya Mardana' belongs to the Kangra school of Pahari miniature painting. This school flourished in the late 18th century and is renowned for its lyrical quality, delicate lines, and extensive depiction of themes from the Bhagavata Purana, particularly the life of Krishna. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The title 'Kaliya Mardana' refers to the episode where Lord Krishna subdues the venomous serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna river. The painting depicts Krishna dancing on the hood of the multi-headed snake, while the wives of Kaliya plead for mercy. The depiction of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan is a distinct theme known as 'Govardhan Dhari'. - Statement 2 is Correct. This specific miniature is dated to approximately 1785-1790 AD. This period corresponds to the zenith of the Kangra style under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand. - Statement 3 is Correct. The painting is currently part of the collection housed in the National Museum, New Delhi. Key Takeaway: 'Kaliya Mardana' is a celebrated Kangra miniature (c. 1785) illustrating Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya, distinct from the 'Govardhan Dhari' theme.

NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 5: The Pahari Schools of Painting

mcqeasy

With reference to the painting 'Kaliya Mardana' from the Bhagvata Purana, consider the following statements:

It depicts Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan.
It was painted around 1785.
It is housed in the National Museum, New Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The painting 'Kaliya Mardana' belongs to the Kangra school of Pahari miniature painting. This school flourished in the late 18th century and is renowned for its lyrical quality, delicate lines, and extensive depiction of themes from the Bhagavata Purana, particularly the life of Krishna.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The title 'Kaliya Mardana' refers to the episode where Lord Krishna subdues the venomous serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna river. The painting depicts Krishna dancing on the hood of the multi-headed snake, while the wives of Kaliya plead for mercy. The depiction of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan is a distinct theme known as 'Govardhan Dhari'.
Statement 2 is Correct. This specific miniature is dated to approximately 1785-1790 AD. This period corresponds to the zenith of the Kangra style under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand.
Statement 3 is Correct. The painting is currently part of the collection housed in the National Museum, New Delhi.

Key Takeaway:

'Kaliya Mardana' is a celebrated Kangra miniature (c. 1785) illustrating Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya, distinct from the 'Govardhan Dhari' theme.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: The Pahari Schools of Painting

Which of the following pairs of Pahari artists and their patrons is correctly matched? 1. Devida : Kirpal Pal 2. Nainsukh : Balwant Singh 3. Manaku : Sansar Chand (later service) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to the origins of the Pahari Schools of Painting, consider the following statements: 1. The Pahari style began at Basohli with a coarsely flamboyant style and matured into the sophisticated Kangra style. 2. Unlike Rajasthani and Mughal schools, Pahari paintings are easily classified based on distinct territorial boundaries. 3. The earliest prevailing pictorial language in the hills is generally understood to be the Basohli-like style. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors is considered by art historians to be chiefly responsible for the shaping of the Pahari style of painting?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Basohli School of painting: 1. It flourished under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand in the late 19th century. 2. A distinctive feature is the use of small, shiny green particles of beetle wings to simulate emeralds in jewellery. 3. The style is characterized by the use of strong primary colours and warm yellows. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following texts was the most popular theme for the painters of the Basohli School?

easy

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The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The title 'Kaliya Mardana' refers to the episode where Lord Krishna subdues the venomous serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna river. The painting depicts Krishna dancing on the hood of the multi-headed snake, while the wives of Kaliya plead for mercy. The depiction of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan is a distinct theme known as 'Govardhan Dhari'.
Statement 2 is Correct. This specific miniature is dated to approximately 1785-1790 AD. This period corresponds to the zenith of the Kangra style under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand.
Statement 3 is Correct. The painting is currently part of the collection housed in the National Museum, New Delhi.

Key Takeaway:

'Kaliya Mardana' is a celebrated Kangra miniature (c. 1785) illustrating Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya, distinct from the 'Govardhan Dhari' theme.