Step 1: Deccani Painting Origins.
Deccani miniature painting emerged in the Deccan Sultanates of South India in the 16th century.
The Ahmednagar Sultanate provides the oldest known examples.
Step 2: Ahmednagar School Characteristics.
The Ahmednagar style is characterized by vibrant colors, Persian artistic elements, and portrayals of royal court scenes.
Subsequently, the Bijapur and Golconda schools also thrived.
Step 3: Option Evaluation.
- (A) Bengal School: A 20th-century modern art movement, unrelated to Deccani painting.
- (B) Ahmednagar School: Correct; it represents the earliest Deccani school.
- (C) Mathura School: Associated with Kushana art, distinct from Deccani miniatures.
- (D) Paithani School: Famous for its textile work, not miniature painting.
Step 4: Summary.
The Ahmednagar School stands as the initial school of Deccani miniature painting.