With reference to the tradition of miniature painting in India, consider the following statements: 1. The earliest miniatures were painted on palm leaves or wood. 2. The Mughal emperors strictly prohibited the painting of historical accounts. 3. The decline of the Mughal Empire led to the complete disappearance of the miniature tradition in northern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation Miniature paintings are small-sized artworks executed with meticulous detail, traditionally using watercolours on cloth or paper. The tradition in India dates back to the 9th century, evolving through various schools such as the Pala, Western Indian, and Mughal styles. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The earliest miniature paintings in India were executed on palm leaves or wood. These early works are primarily associated with the Pala School of eastern India (9th–12th century) and the Western Indian School (Jain miniatures). Paper was introduced later, gaining prominence in the 14th century. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Mughal emperors did not prohibit historical accounts; rather, they actively patronized them. Akbar, in particular, established a dedicated department for painting and commissioned the illustration of historical manuscripts such as the Akbarnama and Baburnama, alongside literary and religious texts. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The decline of the Mughal Empire did not lead to the disappearance of the miniature tradition. Instead, it resulted in the dispersal of artists to regional courts. This migration fostered the growth of distinct regional schools, such as the Rajasthani and Pahari schools (e.g., Kangra, Basohli), where the tradition flourished with new vigour. Key Takeaway: The Indian miniature tradition began on palm leaves and wood before shifting to paper. While the Mughal court centralized the art form focusing on realism and historical records, its political decline decentralized the tradition, enriching regional schools across northern and western India.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

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With reference to the tradition of miniature painting in India, consider the following statements:

The earliest miniatures were painted on palm leaves or wood.
The Mughal emperors strictly prohibited the painting of historical accounts.
The decline of the Mughal Empire led to the complete disappearance of the miniature tradition in northern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Miniature paintings are small-sized artworks executed with meticulous detail, traditionally using watercolours on cloth or paper. The tradition in India dates back to the 9th century, evolving through various schools such as the Pala, Western Indian, and Mughal styles.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The earliest miniature paintings in India were executed on palm leaves or wood. These early works are primarily associated with the Pala School of eastern India (9th–12th century) and the Western Indian School (Jain miniatures). Paper was introduced later, gaining prominence in the 14th century.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Mughal emperors did not prohibit historical accounts; rather, they actively patronized them. Akbar, in particular, established a dedicated department for painting and commissioned the illustration of historical manuscripts such as the Akbarnama and Baburnama, alongside literary and religious texts.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The decline of the Mughal Empire did not lead to the disappearance of the miniature tradition. Instead, it resulted in the dispersal of artists to regional courts. This migration fostered the growth of distinct regional schools, such as the Rajasthani and Pahari schools (e.g., Kangra, Basohli), where the tradition flourished with new vigour.

Key Takeaway:

The Indian miniature tradition began on palm leaves and wood before shifting to paper. While the Mughal court centralized the art form focusing on realism and historical records, its political decline decentralized the tradition, enriching regional schools across northern and western India.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

With reference to the development of regional cultures in early medieval India, consider the following statements regarding the Chera kingdom: 1. The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the ninth century in the south-western part of the peninsula. 2. The rulers of this kingdom used only Sanskrit in their official inscriptions. 3. The temple theatre of the region borrowed stories from the Sanskritic epics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the literary text Lilatilakam: 1. It is a twelfth-century text dealing with astronomy. 2. It was composed in the Manipravalam style, which literally refers to "diamonds and corals". 3. It represents the synthesis of Sanskrit and the regional language. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Jagannatha cult in Orissa, consider the following statements: 1. The deity Jagannatha was originally a local god who was later identified with Vishnu. 2. In the twelfth century, King Anangabhima III decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri. 3. King Anantavarman dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" of the god. 4. The Mughals and the Marathas attempted to gain control over the temple to make their rule acceptable to local people. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

hard

Which one of the following rulers is specifically credited with patronizing Kathak and elevating it to a major art form in the nineteenth century?

easy

Consider the following pairs regarding regional art forms and their characteristics: Art Form | Characteristic/Region 1. Basohli | Bold and intense style of miniature painting 2. Kangra | Soft colours and lyrical treatment of themes 3. Kuchipudi | Classical dance of Kerala 4. Lilatilakam | Grammar text in Manipravalam Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The earliest miniature paintings in India were executed on palm leaves or wood. These early works are primarily associated with the Pala School of eastern India (9th–12th century) and the Western Indian School (Jain miniatures). Paper was introduced later, gaining prominence in the 14th century.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Mughal emperors did not prohibit historical accounts; rather, they actively patronized them. Akbar, in particular, established a dedicated department for painting and commissioned the illustration of historical manuscripts such as the Akbarnama and Baburnama, alongside literary and religious texts.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The decline of the Mughal Empire did not lead to the disappearance of the miniature tradition. Instead, it resulted in the dispersal of artists to regional courts. This migration fostered the growth of distinct regional schools, such as the Rajasthani and Pahari schools (e.g., Kangra, Basohli), where the tradition flourished with new vigour.

Key Takeaway: