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The Manuscript Painting Tradition — Syllabus

CBSE · Class 12 · Fine Arts

What The Manuscript Painting Tradition covers in CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts syllabus.

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An infographic explaining the six limbs (Shadanga) of Indian painting as described in the Chitrasutra of Vishnudharmottara Purana: Roopbheda, Pramana, Bhava, Lavanya Yojana, Sadrishya, and Varnikabhan
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4 Topics · CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts · 2026-27

Topics in The Manuscript Painting Tradition

1

Indian Canons and the Idea of Painting

  • The third Khanda of the Vishnudharmottara Purana is a fifth century text and contains the Chitrasutra.
  • Chitrasutra is treated as a source book of Indian art in general and painting specifically.
  • It explains pratima lakshana, the canons of painting.
2

Western Indian School and Jain Manuscript Painting

  • The Western Indian School of Painting thrived in western India, with Gujarat as the most prominent centre.
  • Southern Rajasthan and western Central India were also important centres.
  • The Jain School of Painting is a subset of the Western Indian School.
3

Important Jain Manuscripts

  • Kalpasutra is the most widely illustrated canonical text in the Jain tradition.
  • It covers events from the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras from birth to salvation.
  • The five key incidents are conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and first sermon, and salvation.
4

Sultanate School of Painting

  • The Sultanate School of Painting developed when Persian, Turkic, and Afghan influences entered Indian painting traditions.
  • Central Asian artists worked with local artists in Sultanate courts.
  • This led to an intermingling of Persian features and indigenous styles.

Key Concepts

Central concept: The Manuscript Painting Tradition

Vishnudharmottara Purana and ChitrasutraMiniature paintings and manuscript illustrationsWestern Indian School of PaintingJain School of PaintingSultanate School of PaintingPala School of PaintingPatronage and circulationStylistic features and themes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Manuscript Painting Tradition for CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts?
Key topics in The Manuscript Painting Tradition include Indian Canons and the Idea of Painting, Western Indian School and Jain Manuscript Painting, Important Jain Manuscripts, Sultanate School of Painting. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the CBSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise The Manuscript Painting Tradition for the CBSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 87 practice questions on The Manuscript Painting Tradition. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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