U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995

Mughal Arts and Calligraphy

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 In the Mughal court, calligraphy was considered a higher art form than painting, and master calligraphers were bestowed with imperial titles of honor.

Explanation Muhammad Hussain of Kashmir was the most celebrated calligrapher of Akbar's reign and was awarded the title 'Zari Qalam' (The Golden Pen).

Logical Breakup
Option A is Correct: He specialized in the Nastaliq script, which Akbar preferred for all official and literary manuscripts.
Context: The title reflected his unparalleled skill in the fluid, horizontal strokes of the Perso-Arabic hand.

Active Recall

Question

Which script did Akbar prefer for his official manuscripts?

Answer

The Nastaliq script, known for its elegant cursive and horizontal fluidity.

Core Insight

Imperial titles like 'Zari Qalam' show that the Mughal state institutionalized aesthetic excellence as a mark of royal prestige.