Question

Which among the followings manuscripts belongs to the Pala School of Painting?
(A) Prajnaparamita
(B) Astasahasrika
(C) Ragamala
(D) Kalakacharyakatha
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Associate schools of painting with their primary religious or thematic focus. Pala School = Buddhism; Western Indian School = Jainism; Rajasthani/Pahari Schools = Hindu themes (Krishna Lila, Ramayana, Ragamala). This helps in quickly eliminating incorrect options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept Clarification:
The objective is to identify manuscripts that are characteristic of the Pala School of miniature painting. This school thrived in Eastern India between the 8th and 12th centuries and was predominantly Buddhist in theme.

Step 3: Detailed Analysis:
(A) Prajnaparamita: The "Perfection of Wisdom" sutras are fundamental Mahayana Buddhist texts. Illustrated manuscripts of the Prajnaparamita are the most renowned and abundant examples of Pala painting.
(B) Astasahasrika: This refers to the "Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita," a version of the Prajnaparamita text comprising 8,000 lines. It is among the most frequently illustrated manuscripts from the Pala period, making it correct.
(C) Ragamala: Ragamala paintings, which visually represent musical modes, are a key feature of Rajasthani, Pahari, and Deccani painting traditions, not the Pala school.
(D) Kalakacharyakatha: This is a significant Jain text, and its illustrated manuscripts are prominent examples of the Western Indian School of painting, not the Pala School.

Step 4: Conclusion:
Both Prajnaparamita and its specific rendition, Astasahasrika, are principal manuscripts associated with the Pala School of Painting. Therefore, only (A) and (B) are correct.