Question

Which Deccan school miniature shows a female warrior engaging in a sport associated with royalty and bravery?

• A. Krishna with Gopies
• B. Marriage procession of Dara Shikoh
• C. Chougan players
• D. Chand Bibi playing Polo

Hint:

Note the difference: Chougan Players belongs to the Jodhpur sub-school (Rajasthani), while Chand Bibi playing Polo belongs to the Golconda sub-school (Deccan).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Historical Background:
Chand Bibi (the Queen Regent of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar) was a brave and highly educated medieval ruler who actively defended her kingdom against Mughal forces. She was exceptionally skilled in military strategy and royal sports like horse riding and falconry.

Step 2: Analyzing the Painting:
The painting Chand Bibi playing Polo (Chougan) belongs to the Golconda sub-school of the Deccan Miniature Painting tradition (c. 1750 AD). It depicts Chand Bibi along with three other royal ladies riding beautifully adorned horses on a polo field, dynamically chasing a small white ball with their long polo sticks.

Step 3: Identifying the Sport's Symbolism:
Polo (Chougan) was historically considered a royal sport of high status, bravery, and physical agility, typically reserved for kings and male princes. Depicting a female ruler participating in it highlights her power, bravery, and sovereign authority. Therefore, option (D) is correct.