60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016

Akbari School of Art

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

'Daswant and Basawan' famous painters were courtier of Mughal emperor:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Emperor Akbar promoted a meritocratic atelier where talented Hindu artists like Daswant and Basawan rose to high status, defining the formative Mughal style.

Explanation Daswant (a palanquin bearer's son discovered by Akbar) and Basawan (praised as a master of line and color) were the leading stars of Akbar's studio. They played major roles in illustrating the 'Razmnama' (Mahabharata) and the 'Akbarnama'.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Daswant is famous for his dynamic and intense style in early projects like the Hamzanama.
Logic 2: Basawan is considered the most accomplished Mughal artist of the 16th century, noted for his spatial exploration and character portrayal.

Active Recall

Question

Which major Hindu epic did Daswant and Basawan illustrate in Persian?

Answer

The Mahabharata, translated and illustrated as the 'Razmnama'.

Core Insight

The rise of Daswant and Basawan reflects the inclusive 'Sulh-i-Kul' (universal peace) policy of Akbar, applied to the world of art.