Question

What is the most striking feature shared by Lepakshi murals and Ragamala paintings of Deccan School?

• A. Male Costumes
• B. Women's Hairstyles
• C. Symmetrical architectural domes
• D. Borders' Design

Hint:

Look at how women are drawn in both: the hair is tied in a side bun.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lepakshi murals (Andhra Pradesh, Vijayanagara period, 1500s) and Deccani Ragamala paintings (Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golconda) belong to the same southern region and share some pictorial habits.

Step 2: Key Approach:
Compare the people and features shown in both. A striking common feature is the way women are drawn, especially their hair with a side bun and decorated style.

Step 3: Check option (1).
Male dress differs in the two traditions, since Lepakshi follows temple and Vijayanagara fashion and Deccani painting shows Persian influenced court dress. So (1) is wrong.

Step 4: Check option (2).
In both Lepakshi murals and Deccani Ragamala paintings, women are shown with a large side bun and ornamented hair. This is the notable common trait. So (2) is TRUE.

Step 5: Check option (3).
Symmetrical domes belong to Mughal and Islamic architecture and do not appear as a shared feature of the Lepakshi murals. So (3) is wrong.

Step 6: Check option (4).
Border design differs. Lepakshi murals have temple ceiling patterns, while Ragamala pages have flat coloured borders. So (4) is wrong.

Final Answer:
The shared feature is women's hairstyle, option (2). The options are close, so this answer carries some doubt.