Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
A
Harappan Civilisation ... Painted Grey Ware
B
The Kushans ... Gandhara School of Art
C
The Mughals ... Ajanta Paintings
D
The Marathas ... Pahari School of Painting
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Evaluating the correctness of the given pairs:
1. (A) Harappan Civilisation is known for its distinctive pottery, but Painted Grey Ware (PGW) is associated with the later Iron Age culture in the Gangetic plains (circa 1200-600 BCE), not the Harappan period (circa 2600-1900 BCE). This pair is incorrect.
2. (B) The Kushans (1st-3rd centuries CE) were great patrons of art, and the Gandhara School of Art, known for its Greco-Buddhist sculptures, flourished under their rule, particularly in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. This pair is correctly matched.
3. (C) Ajanta Paintings primarily date from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE (Satavahana and Vakataka periods). While the Mughals (16th-19th centuries CE) were patrons of painting (miniature painting), they are not associated with the Ajanta cave paintings. This pair is incorrect.
4. (D) The Pahari School of Painting developed in the hilly regions of North India from the 17th to 19th centuries, patronized by Rajput rulers. The Marathas had their distinct style of art and patronage, primarily in Maharashtra, and are not the main patrons associated with the Pahari school. This pair is incorrect.