Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The famous Mughal painting, depicting Jahangir embracing the Safavid king Shah Abbas, was painted by which one of the following Mughal painters?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Jahangir’s court specialized in 'allegorical' portraits—paintings that depicted symbolic or imagined scenes as if they were real, used to project imperial ego and diplomacy.Explanation
This painting was created by Abul Hasan (Nadir-ul-Zaman) around 1618. It depicts an imagined embrace between Jahangir and Shah Abbas of Persia. Although the two never met, the painting was intended to assert Jahangir's dominance (he is shown larger and standing on a lion, while the Shah stands on a lamb).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Abul Hasan was the favorite painter for these hyper-realistic, symbolic works.
Logic 2: Bishandas was sent to Persia to paint real portraits of the Shah, but this specific 'embrace' scene is the work of Abul Hasan.