Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following was NOT a feature of the art of painting in India in the 19th century?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
19th-century Indian art was in a state of flux, moving from traditional courtly patronage to Western-influenced individualism, though some structures remained rigid.Explanation
While the 19th century saw the introduction of oil painting (Raja Ravi Varma) and the professional distinction between 'Artist' and 'Artisan', art production was still largely driven by royal and elite commissions rather than an 'open mass market'. Mass reproduction (oleographs) only began at the very end of the century.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is the outlier because the 'open market' for art is a later phenomenon linked to the rise of the urban middle class and mechanical printing.
Logic 2: Other options like the professionalization of the 'Shilpi' and the rise of oil painting are well-documented historical shifts of this era.