Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Who of the following was awarded with the honour of 'Zari qalam' by King Akbar?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
Calligraphy was considered the highest form of art in the Mughal court, often ranked above painting. Mastery of specific scripts earned artists imperial titles and significant wealth.Explanation
Muhammad Hussain of Kashmir was the most famous calligrapher of Akbar's reign. He was a master of the Nastaliq script—a fluid, long-stroked style. For his unrivaled skill, Akbar awarded him the title 'Zari Qalam' (Golden Pen).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Nastaliq was the favorite script of the Mughals, and Hussain was its greatest practitioner in India.
Logic 2: Abdussamad and Mir Sayyid Ali were primary painters, while Muhammad Hussain specialized specifically in the written word.