Question Discussion & Solution

The tomb of Itimad- ud -Daulah is located along the banks of the Yamuna at Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

• It was built by the Mughal queen Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jehangir.
• The tomb of Itimad- ud -Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.
• It is known for the first use of the pietra dura.

The correct answer is Aihole.

Key Points

• Lad Khan temple
  • It is located in  Aihole in Karnataka.
  • It is one of the oldest Hindu temples.
  • It is dedicated to Shiva.
  • It is also known as The Chalukya Shiva Temple

Additional Information

• Sanchi is a town in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Sanchi is famous for stupas, monolithic Asokan pillars, Monastries, etc.
• Ellora
  • Ellora caves are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
  • It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Elephanta
  • They are the rock-cut Caves in Maharastra.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The correct answer is Humayun.

• Miniature painting in India was started by Humayun.

Key Points

• Miniature paintings were brought to India by the Mughals.
• Mughals were assisted by Persians.
• These paintings depicted the events and lifestyles of the Mughals.
• Humayun appointed Persian artist Mir sayid Ali and Khawaja Abdus Samad to his court.
• A typical miniature painting has a phrase or poetry written in the Urdu script on the upper or cover end.

Additional Information

• The earliest Miniature paintings in India can be traced back to the 7^th century AD when they flourished under the patronage of the Palas of Bengal.
• Buddhist texts and scriptures were illustrated on 3-inch-wide palm leaf manuscripts, with images of Buddhist deities. Pala art was defined by subdued colors and sinuous lines, evocative of the murals in Ajanta.
• It was Jainism that inspired the miniature artistic movement of the Western Indian style of miniature painting. This form prevailed in the regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Malwa, from the 12^th-16^th century AD.
• Jain manuscripts were illustrated using exaggerated physical traits, vigorous lines, and bold colors.
• Miniature Art in India truly thrived under the Mughals (16th-18th century AD), defining a rich period in the history of Indian art.
• The Mughal style of painting was an amalgamation of religion, culture, and tradition. Persian styles melded with local Indian art to create a highly detailed, rich art form.

In Madhya Pradesh, the world famous Khajuraho Dance Festival has begun. Eminent Indian classical dancers will perform during the 7 day event. This Dance Festival presents colourful and brilliant Indian dances in the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples. Live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Mohniyattam were the major attraction this time.

The correct answer is 2 only.

Key Points

• The three main components of classical dances are
  • Natya (the dramatic element of the dance i.e. the imitation of characters)
  • Nritta (the dance movements in their basic form)
  • Nritya (expressional component i.e. mudras or gestures)

There are eight classical dances in India:

1. Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu (Hence pair 3 is incorrectly matched)
2. Mohiniyattam: Kerala
3. Kathakali: Kerala
4. Kathak: North India (Uttar Pradesh)
5. Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh  (Hence pair 1 is incorrectly matched)
6. Sattriya: Assam (Hence pair 2 is correctly matched)
7. Odissi: Odisha 
8. Manipuri: Manipur

Important Points

• Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of Karnataka that depicts mythological stories and Puranas.
• It is a temple art form performed with massive headgears and vibrant costumes.