Step 1: Origin of Deccani painting.
Deccani miniature painting developed in the Deccan Sultanates of South India during the 16th century.
The earliest examples are traced to the Ahmednagar Sultanate.
Step 2: Features of Ahmednagar School.
The Ahmednagar style is known for bold colors, Persian influence, and depiction of court life.
Later, other Deccani schools such as Bijapur and Golconda also flourished.
Step 3: Option analysis.
- (A) Bengal School: Modern 20th-century movement, not Deccani.
- (B) Ahmednagar School: Correct, earliest Deccani school.
- (C) Mathura School: Belongs to Kushana art, not Deccani miniatures.
- (D) Paithani School: Known for textiles, not miniature painting.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The Ahmednagar School is the earliest school of Deccani miniature painting.