Question

Where we can see the Murals of Maratha style in the old wadas in Maharashtra?
A. Pune
B. Satara
C. Solapur
D. Kolhapur

Answer 1

Hint: Most of the Murals' paintings belong to the period of 18th to 19th century. The paintings at Pune, Menavali and Wai belonged to the eighteenth century that is of the Peshwa period. The paintings of Sarata belonged to the nineteenth century. However, paintings of the 17th century except belonging to a few districts have not been found yet.

Complete answer: The archaeological department of Deccan College had undertaken extensive research projects in the mediaeval paintings particularly on Maratha art. Maratha art or paintings are said to be the first organised efforts taking cognizance of all sorts and types of paintings, mural miniature and manuscript illustration. Therefore a good deal of material about this study has been discovered which gives important information about Maratha paintings. The second half of the Maratha rule that is from the 18th to the 19th century saw the flourishing culture and art. The murals of Maratha style in old Wadas in Maharashtra can be found in Satara. These paintings were influenced by the Rajputian and European style of painting. It helps us understand various things and the development of that period such as the attires, the customs and lifestyle etc.
There are few specimens of wall paintings in Wadas of Pune. These paintings belong to the same period starting from the Peshwa rulers and their Sardar to ministers. Woodwork is a part of the architectural details of most of the structures.
Therefore, the correct answer is option-B.

Note: Under Maratha’s extensive painting work took place such as glass paintings, miniature and murals under the patronage of Maratha which gave birth to a different style of Maratha painting in Maharashtra. There are many references in ancient Maharashtra about the wall paintings belonging to different centuries.