Question

Arrange the following manuscripts in chronological order of their creation.
(A) Rasikapriya
(B) Jagat Singh Ramayana
(C) Bundi Ragamala
(D) Bal Kanda of Ramayana
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C), (B), (D)
• B. (C), (A), (D), (B)
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C)
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A)

Hint:

For manuscript chronology questions, try to anchor the sequence with a well-known, specifically dated work. In this case, the Jagat Singh Ramayana (c. 1650) is a definite endpoint, and the Chunar/Bundi Ragamala (c. 1591) is a definite starting point, which helps in eliminating incorrect options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires ordering different illustrated manuscripts from medieval and early modern India based on their creation dates. This involves knowledge of the timeline of various schools of miniature painting.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's establish the approximate dates for each manuscript tradition:
(C) Bundi Ragamala: The earliest dated Ragamala set from this region is the Chunar Ragamala, a proto-Bundi work, dated to 1591 AD. This places it at the beginning of the sequence.
(A) Rasikapriya: The text was written by Keshavdas in 1591 AD. However, its illustrated versions became popular in various schools (like Malwa and Mewar) in the early 17th century, after the Bundi Ragamala.
(D) Bal Kanda of Ramayana: While Akbar commissioned a Ramayana in the late 16th century, this is a general title. Given the options, it likely refers to a version created in the 17th century, placing it after the early Rasikapriya illustrations. Some sources date a relevant version to circa 1630 AD.
(B) Jagat Singh Ramayana: This is a very specific and well-documented manuscript created in Mewar under the patronage of Rana Jagat Singh I. It is firmly dated between 1649 and 1653 AD, making it the latest in this group.
The chronological order is therefore: Bundi Ragamala (c. 1591) $\rightarrow$ Rasikapriya illustrations (early 17th c.) $\rightarrow$ Bal Kanda of Ramayana (c. 1630) $\rightarrow$ Jagat Singh Ramayana (c. 1649-53). This corresponds to the sequence (C), (A), (D), (B).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Based on the historical timelines of these manuscript paintings, the correct chronological order is (C) Bundi Ragamala, (A) Rasikapriya, (D) Bal Kanda of Ramayana, (B) Jagat Singh Ramayana.