UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I
Question 17: History and Culture
Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Jahangir moved Mughal painting from large illustrated manuscripts to album paintings and individual portraits, with fine naturalistic detail in portraits, court scenes, birds, animals and flowers, as seen in the work of Mansur and Bishandas. Akbar's period is the age of illustrated manuscripts such as the Hamzanama and Razmnama. Humayun brought the Persian masters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad. Shah Jahan's paintings were formal and refined. Remember: Akbar means manuscripts, Jahangir means portraits and nature.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Humayun brought Persian masters and began the Mughal school, not the album shift.
- (b) Akbar favoured large illustrated manuscripts.
- (c) Correct: Jahangir shifted to album and individual portrait painting.
- (d) Shah Jahan's painting was formal and refined, not the origin of this shift.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.