Question

Arrange the following manuscripts in chronological order of their creation.
(A) Rasikapriya
(B) Jagat Singh Ramayana
(C) Bundi Ragamala
(D) Bal Kanda of Ramayana
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C), (B), (D)
• B. (C), (A), (D), (B)
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C)
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A)

Hint:

For manuscript chronology questions, try to anchor the sequence with a well-known, specifically dated work. In this case, the Jagat Singh Ramayana (c. 1650) is a definite endpoint, and the Chunar/Bundi Ragamala (c. 1591) is a definite starting point, which helps in eliminating incorrect options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Understanding:
The objective is to arrange illustrated manuscripts from medieval and early modern India chronologically by their creation dates, requiring knowledge of miniature painting school timelines.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Approximate dates for each manuscript tradition are as follows:
(C) Bundi Ragamala: The earliest dated Ragamala from this region is the Chunar Ragamala (proto-Bundi), dated 1591 AD. This marks the beginning of the sequence.
(A) Rasikapriya: While Keshavdas wrote the text in 1591 AD, its illustrated versions gained popularity in the early 17th century across various schools (e.g., Malwa, Mewar), post-dating the Bundi Ragamala.
(D) Bal Kanda of Ramayana: Although Akbar commissioned a Ramayana in the late 16th century, this general title likely refers to a 17th-century version, appearing after early Rasikapriya illustrations. Some sources date a relevant version to circa 1630 AD.
(B) Jagat Singh Ramayana: This specific manuscript from Mewar, patronized by Rana Jagat Singh I, is dated between 1649 and 1653 AD, making it the latest entry.
The chronological order is: Bundi Ragamala (c. 1591) $\rightarrow$ Rasikapriya illustrations (early 17th c.) $\rightarrow$ Bal Kanda of Ramayana (c. 1630) $\rightarrow$ Jagat Singh Ramayana (c. 1649-53). This corresponds to the sequence (C), (A), (D), (B).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Based on the historical timelines of these manuscript paintings, the correct chronological order is (C) Bundi Ragamala, (A) Rasikapriya, (D) Bal Kanda of Ramayana, (B) Jagat Singh Ramayana.