Question

The painting 'Falcon Perched on a Bird Rest' (1615) was painted by which artist?

• A. Shah Abhas
• B. Ustad Mansur
• C. Hazi Madni
• D. Dara Shikoh

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:

• Ustad Mansur was the foremost natural-history painter at Emperor Jahangir's court, celebrated for his lifelike studies of birds and animals.
• He was honoured with the title "Nadir-ul-Asr" (Wonder of the Age) for this work.

Step 1: Recall Jahangir's interest in nature painting.
Jahangir had a strong personal interest in flora and fauna and commissioned detailed, true-to-life studies of birds, animals and flowers at his court.

Step 2: Recall the artist entrusted with this specific work.
Ustad Mansur was the court artist specifically known for such natural-history studies, including paintings of falcons and other birds, such as 'Falcon Perched on a Bird Rest' (1615).

Step 3: Eliminate the other options.
Shah Abbas was a Safavid ruler, not a painter; Dara Shikoh was a Mughal prince and patron rather than the artist of this specific work; "Hazi Madni" is not a recognised Mughal court painter of this genre.

Final Answer: Ustad Mansur (option 2)