Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Western Indian School of Painting, often referred to as the Jain School of Painting, flourished between the 12th and 16th centuries in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is characterized by illustrated manuscripts, angular facial features, and the distinctive "protruding eye."
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Gujarat was the most prominent center of the Western Indian School. Its geographical location provided access to major ports and trade routes, facilitating immense commercial activity. The resulting prosperity allowed for the extensive patronage of art and culture.
- Statement 2 is Correct: While the merchant class was indeed the primary patron of this art form, they belonged predominantly to the Jain community, not the Buddhist community. The paintings largely illustrate Jain religious texts such as the Kalpasutra and the Kalakacharya Katha.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The concept of shaastradaan (donation of religious texts) was not prohibited; rather, it was a central tenet of the Jain tradition. Wealthy Jain merchants commissioned illustrated manuscripts to donate to temple libraries (bhandars) as an act of religious merit and charity. This practice was the primary driver behind the proliferation of these paintings.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Western Indian School of Painting was sustained by the wealthy Jain merchant class in Gujarat, driven by the practice of shaastradaan (donating manuscripts), and is distinct from Buddhist art traditions.