NCERT Class 12 Fine Art An Introduction to Indian Art Part-II: Chapter 4 — The Deccani Schools of Painting 4
This chapter explores the Deccani Schools of Painting, a distinct art form that flourished in the Deccan region of India from the late sixteenth century until the Mughal conquest in the 1680s. It highlights the unique characteristics of this school, which was nurtured by local rulers with their own political and cultural visions. The text discusses the influence of Indo-Persian art, including Safavid, Persian, and Turkish elements, while emphasizing the Deccani style's uniqueness in portraiture and representation of figures. The kingdoms of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar developed sophisticated court painting styles, noted for their sensuality, intense colors, and regional aesthetics. The earliest examples are linked to the reign of Hussain Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar, with miniatures depicting court life and figures that show a blend of northern Indian and Persian influences, particularly in costume and landscape elements. The chapter concludes by noting the enduring legacy of these schools in later periods.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Fine Art |
| Book | An Introduction to Indian Art Part-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Deccani Schools of Painting 4 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 575 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the historical period and geographical region of the Deccani Schools of Painting.
- Recognize the influences of Indo-Persian art on Deccani painting.
- Describe the distinct characteristics of Deccani painting, including its sensuality, colors, and composition.
- Analyze the contributions of the kingdoms of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar to Deccani art.
- Understand the blend of regional and external artistic elements in Deccani miniatures.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deccani | Relating to the Deccan region of southern India. |
| Indo-Persian | A style combining Indian and Persian artistic traditions. |
| Safavid | A dynasty that ruled Persia from 1501 to 1736, known for its art and architecture. |
| Ottoman | Relating to the Ottoman Empire, a major power in the Middle East and Europe. |
| Portraiture | The art of creating portraits, especially paintings or drawings. |
| Miniatures | Very small paintings, often found in manuscripts. |
| Aesthetics | The principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty. |
| Sensuality | The quality of being pleasing to the senses. |
| Choli | A fitted blouse worn with a sari or skirt. |
| Lepakshi | A village in Andhra Pradesh famous for its Vijayanagara-era temple art. |
| Ragamala | A series of 'musical' landscape paintings illustrating Ragas, the modes of Indian classical music. |
| Atelier | A workshop or studio, especially for an artist or designer. |
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Practice questions
- What historical period is primarily covered by the history of Deccani Painting? Answer: The history of Deccani Painting is primarily constructed from the late sixteenth century until the 1680s.
- Which kingdoms in the Deccan developed sophisticated schools of court painting? Answer: The kingdoms of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar developed sophisticated schools of court painting.
- What are some of the distinctive features of the Deccani school of painting? Answer: The Deccani school is noted for its unique sensuality, intense colors, dense composition, and an aura of romance, expressed in a natural and vivid idiom.
- What influences can be seen in the Deccani paintings, particularly in landscape and costume? Answer: Persian influence is seen in the landscape idiom, such as the high circular horizon and gold sky. Costume elements show a blend of northern Indian traditions (like the choli and braided pigtails) and southern fashion (like the long scarf).
Practice MCQs
Q1. The history of Deccani Painting is largely constructed from which period until the Mughal conquest?
Explanation: The text states that the history of Deccani Painting can largely be constructed from the late sixteenth century until the 1680s.
Q2. Which of the following was NOT considered an origin of the Deccani style of Painting for a long time?
Explanation: The text mentions Indo-Persian, Middle Eastern, Safavid, Persian, Turkish, and even Mughal origins, but not Chinese.
Q3. Which kingdoms in the Deccan developed highly sophisticated and distinct schools of court painting?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the kingdoms of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar developed these schools.
Q4. The earliest examples of Deccani painting are found in a volume celebrating the reign of which ruler?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that the earliest examples are in a volume celebrating the reign of Hussain Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar (1553–1565).
Q5. A southern fashion seen in Ahmadnagar paintings, which is also present in Lepakshi frescoes, is:
Explanation: The text notes that 'Only a long scarf, passing round the body below the hips, is a southern fashion, which is seen in the Lepakshi frescoes.'
Q6. Persian influence in Deccani painting is evident in:
Explanation: The text states, 'The high circular horizon and gold sky have Persian influence. We may see the debt of all Deccani kingdoms, which they owe to Persia for their landscape idiom.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary time frame for the history of Deccani Painting?
The history of Deccani Painting is largely constructed from the late sixteenth century until the 1680s, when the Mughals conquered the Deccan.
What were some of the perceived origins of the Deccani style of painting?
For a long time, the Deccani style was placed under Indo-Persian art and considered Middle Eastern, Safavid, Persian, Turkish, or even Mughal in origin.
Which three kingdoms were known for developing sophisticated schools of court painting in the Deccan?
The kingdoms of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar developed highly sophisticated and distinct schools of court painting.
What are the key aesthetic qualities of the Deccani school of painting?
The Deccani school is characterized by its unique sensuality, intense colors, dense composition, and an aura of romance, expressed in a natural and vivid idiom.
Where can the earliest examples of Deccani painting be found?
The earliest examples are found in a volume of poems celebrating the reign of Hussain Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar (1553–1565).
What elements in Deccani paintings show influence from Persia?
Persian influence is seen in the landscape idiom, such as the high circular horizon and gold sky.
How did the costume in Deccani paintings blend different traditions?
Women's costumes often featured a modified northern style (choli, braided pigtails) combined with a southern fashion (long scarf), and hairstyles similar to Lepakshi murals.
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NCERT Class 12 Fine Art — An Introduction to Indian Art Part-II — Chapter 4 — The Deccani Schools of Painting 4. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.