CUET 2026 Fine Arts May 21 Shift 2 Question Paper- Download Answer Key and Solution PDF

Concept:
“Bani Thani” is one of the most famous paintings of the Kishangarh School of Painting, which belongs to the Rajput style of miniature paintings.
The painting is known for:
Graceful facial feature:
Arched eyebrows
Lotus-like eyes
Artistic elegance
It is often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of India”.
Step 1: Identify the painting style associated with Bani Thani.
The painting “Bani Thani” was created under the patronage of the rulers of: \[ Kishangarh \]
Hence, it belongs to the Kishangarh School of Painting.
Step 2: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Kangra School is famous for nature and Krishna-themed paintings.
Mughal School focused on royal court scenes and realism.
Bundi School is known for vibrant colors and hunting scenes.
These are not associated with “Bani Thani”.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Kishangarh\ School} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Bani Thani} \(\rightarrow\) Kishangarh School Known as the {“Mona Lisa of India”} Famous example of Rajput miniature painting

Concept:
The Kishangarh School of Painting flourished under the patronage of Raja Sawant Singh, who was a great supporter of art and literature.
He was also known by his poetic name: \[ Nagari Das \]
The famous painting “Bani Thani” became an iconic example of the Kishangarh style during his rule.
Step 1: Identify the ruler associated with Kishangarh paintings.
The development and popularity of Kishangarh paintings are mainly linked with: \[ Raja Sawant Singh \]
He encouraged artists and promoted miniature painting traditions in Kishangarh.
Step 2: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Raja Sansar Chand was associated with the Kangra School of painting.
Raja Man Singh was related to Mughal administration and warfare.
Raja Jai Singh is mainly known for astronomy and city planning.
These rulers were not directly connected with the development of Kishangarh paintings.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Raja\ Sawant\ Singh} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Kishangarh School} \(\rightarrow\) Raja Sawant Singh Raja Sawant Singh was also known as {Nagari Das} {Bani Thani} became famous during his patronage

Concept:
Ragamala paintings are a series of Indian miniature paintings based on musical modes called Ragas and Raginis.
The word: \[ Ragamala\ =\ Garland\ of\ Ragas \]
These paintings visually represent different moods, emotions, seasons, and musical expressions associated with classical Indian music.
Step 1: Understand the meaning of musical modes in Indian art.
In Indian classical music:
A Raga represents a musical mode or melodic framework.
Artists painted visual representations of these ragas.
Such painting collections are known as: \[ Ragamala\ Paintings \]
Step 2: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Nayika Bheda describes different types of heroines.
Baramasa depicts the twelve months and seasons.
Rasikapriya is based on poetic themes of love and devotion.
These are not directly based on musical modes.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Ragamala} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Ragamala} \(\rightarrow\) Series of paintings based on musical ragas Means {“Garland of Ragas”} Combines music, mood, and visual art

Concept:
The Mewar School of Painting is regarded as one of the earliest and most indigenous schools of Rajasthani miniature painting.
It developed in the region of Mewar (present-day Rajasthan) and is known for:
Bold colors
Simple compositions
Indigenous artistic traditions
Religious and courtly themes
Step 1: Identify the earliest indigenous Rajasthani style.
Among the various Rajasthani schools: \[ Mewar\ School \] is considered the oldest and most traditional indigenous style.
Step 2: Understand the characteristics of Mewar paintings.
The Mewar style is famous for:
Bright and contrasting colors
Folk-style influence
Depictions of Hindu religious themes
Strong regional artistic identity
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Jaipur School developed later with Mughal influence.
Bikaner School showed strong Persian and Mughal impact.
Kishangarh School became famous for elegant romantic paintings like Bani Thani.
These are not considered the earliest indigenous style.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Mewar} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Mewar School} \(\rightarrow\) Earliest indigenous Rajasthani style Known for bold colors and traditional themes One of the oldest Rajput painting schools

Concept:
The Kangra School of Painting is one of the most famous schools of Pahari miniature painting. It is especially known for its delicate and romantic depictions of:
Radha and Krishna
Love themes
Nature and landscapes
Bhakti and emotional expressions
The paintings are characterized by soft colors, graceful figures, and lyrical beauty.
Step 1: Identify the Pahari school associated with Radha-Krishna themes.
Among the Pahari schools: \[ Kangra\ School \] became most famous for romantic representations of Radha and Krishna.
Step 2: Understand the artistic features of Kangra paintings.
Kangra paintings are known for:
Delicate brushwork
Natural scenery
Emotional expressions
Devotional romantic themes
These features made the school highly celebrated.
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Basohli School is known for bold colors and strong expressions.
Guler School influenced the development of Kangra style.
Chamba School had local folk influences.
These are not as celebrated for delicate Radha-Krishna depictions as Kangra.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Kangra} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Kangra School} \(\rightarrow\) Romantic Radha-Krishna paintings Famous for delicate beauty and natural landscapes Major Pahari miniature painting style

Concept:
The Kangra School of Painting flourished under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand, one of the greatest rulers and art patrons of the Kangra region.
He greatly encouraged:
Pahari miniature painting
Artistic development
Krishna devotional themes
During his reign, Kangra painting reached its golden age.
Step 1: Identify the ruler associated with Kangra paintings.
The most important patron of Kangra painting was: \[ Raja\ Sansar\ Chand \]
He supported painters and helped the Kangra style gain popularity.
Step 2: Understand the contribution of Raja Sansar Chand.
Under his patronage:
Kangra paintings became highly refined
Themes of Radha-Krishna became popular
Artistic excellence increased significantly
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Raja Sawant Singh was associated with Kishangarh paintings.
Akbar patronized Mughal paintings.
Ibrahim Adil Shah II supported Deccan art and music.
These rulers were not the chief patrons of Kangra painting.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Raja\ Sansar\ Chand} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Kangra Painting} \(\rightarrow\) Patronized by Raja Sansar Chand Famous for Radha-Krishna themes Golden age during Sansar Chand's rule

Concept:
The Basohli School is one of the earliest schools of Pahari painting and is known for:
Bold and vibrant colours
Strong facial expressions
Stylized features
Energetic compositions
It laid the foundation for later Pahari styles such as Guler and Kangra.
Step 1: Identify the characteristics mentioned in the question.
The question highlights:
Bold colours
Expressive faces
Early Pahari style
These are distinctive features of: \[ Basohli School \]
Step 2: Understand the artistic style of Basohli paintings.
Basohli paintings generally contain:
Bright primary colours
Dramatic emotional expressions
Strong outlines
Decorative patterns
These features make the style visually powerful.
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options:
Kangra School is known for soft and romantic themes.
Jaipur School belongs to the Rajasthani tradition.
Bikaner School shows Mughal influence.
These are not characterized by bold expressive early Pahari features.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Basohli\ School} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Basohli School} \(\rightarrow\) Bold colours and expressive faces One of the earliest Pahari painting schools Influenced later Guler and Kangra styles

Concept:
Nainsukh was one of the greatest painters of the Pahari tradition and is especially associated with the Guler School of painting.
He became famous for:
Naturalistic portraits
Fine detailing
Delicate brushwork
Realistic human expressions
Step 1: Identify the school associated with Nainsukh.
The famous painter: \[ Nainsukh \]
is particularly connected with the: \[ Guler\ School \]
Step 2: Understand the importance of Nainsukh.
Nainsukh introduced:
Greater realism
Mughal-inspired refinement
Sophisticated portraiture
His works greatly influenced later Pahari painting styles.
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Bundi belongs to the Rajasthani painting tradition.
Basohli is known for bold early Pahari style.
Pala painting belongs to eastern India and Buddhist manuscript art.
These are not especially associated with Nainsukh.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Guler} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Nainsukh} \(\rightarrow\) Guler School Famous for realistic portrait painting Important painter of the Pahari tradition

Concept:
The Deccan School of Painting developed in the Deccan region of India under the patronage of the Deccan Sultanates such as:
Ahmadnagar
Bijapur
Golconda
This school combined:
Persian artistic influence
Indigenous Indian styles
Rich decorative elements
Step 1: Identify the patrons of Deccan painting.
The Deccan style flourished mainly under the support of: \[ Deccan Sultanates \]
These rulers encouraged painting, music, literature, and architecture.
Step 2: Understand the features of Deccan paintings.
Deccan paintings are famous for:
Brilliant colours
Luxurious costumes
Elongated human figures
Decorative backgrounds
The style shows both Persian and Indian influences.
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Rajput rulers mainly patronized Rajput schools of painting.
British officials are associated with Company paintings.
Jain monks supported manuscript traditions, not Deccan painting.
Hence, these options are incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Sultanates\ of\ the\ Deccan} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Deccan School} \(\rightarrow\) Patronized by Deccan Sultanates Major centres \(\rightarrow\) Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar Strong Persian influence with Indian elements

Concept:
The famous painting “Bharat Mata” was painted by Abanindranath Tagore, one of the leading artists of the Bengal School of Art.
The painting symbolized:
Indian nationalism
Spiritual strength
Cultural identity
In the painting, Bharat Mata is depicted as a saffron-clad woman holding:
A book
Sheaves of paddy
White cloth
A rosary
Step 1: Identify the artist associated with Bharat Mata.
The painting: \[ “Bharat\ Mata” \] was created by: \[ Abanindranath\ Tagore \]
Step 2: Understand the importance of the painting.
The painting became an important symbol during the:
Swadeshi Movement
Indian nationalist movement
It reflected the idea of India as a divine mother figure.
Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.
Nandalal Bose was another important Bengal School artist but did not paint Bharat Mata.
Rabindranath Tagore was mainly known as a poet and writer.
Gaganendranath Tagore was known for caricatures and modernist paintings.
Hence, these options are incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{Abanindranath\ Tagore} \] Quick Tip: Remember: {Bharat Mata} \(\rightarrow\) Painted by Abanindranath Tagore Associated with the {Bengal School of Art} Symbol of Indian nationalism and Swadeshi movement