Question

The Mughal Painting 'Madonna and Child' is made in which of the following medium?

• A. Opaque watercolour on paper
• B. Opaque watercolour on cotton
• C. Wash on paper
• D. Oil colour on cotton

Hint:

Mughal miniatures use opaque water colours (gouache) on paper.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mughal miniature paintings were made with water based colours on paper. The colours were mixed with gum and were opaque, which is called gouache. Mughal artists also copied European pictures that came with Jesuit missionaries at Akbar's court. 'Madonna and Child' is one such Mughal copy of a European theme.

Step 2: Key Approach:
Identify the usual Mughal medium (opaque watercolour on paper) and check whether this painting was an exception.

Step 3: Check option (1).
The Mughal painting 'Madonna and Child' from the Akbar period is described as opaque watercolour on paper. This is the standard Mughal miniature medium. So (1) is TRUE.

Step 4: Check option (2).
Opaque watercolour on cotton was used for large painted cloth such as the Hamzanama pages, and for temple hangings. It is not the medium listed for this painting. So (2) is wrong.

Step 5: Check option (3).
Wash painting on paper is the technique of the Bengal School of the early 1900s. It does not fit a Mughal court miniature. So (3) is wrong.

Step 6: Check option (4).
Oil colour on cotton (canvas) is the medium of European and later academic painting. Mughal court miniatures were not oil paintings. So (4) is wrong.

Final Answer:
The medium of the Mughal painting 'Madonna and Child' is opaque watercolour on paper, which is option (1).