In which 'Puran' painting has been given the highest place among Arts ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question is Option 2: Vishnudharmottar Puran. Here is a detailed explanation justifying why this option is correct and why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Justification for Option 2: Vishnudharmottar Puran**
   - The Vishnudharmottar Puran is a significant ancient Indian text that extensively discusses various forms of art and their importance. Among these arts, painting is given a prominent place. The text is known for its detailed treatise on the arts, particularly in the third section known as the "Chitrasutra," which is dedicated to the art of painting. It provides comprehensive guidelines on the techniques, styles, and significance of painting, highlighting its esteemed status among the arts. This emphasis on painting as a highly regarded art form is why the Vishnudharmottar Puran is recognized for giving painting the highest place among the arts.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1: Agni Puran**
     - The Agni Puran is a vast compendium covering a wide range of topics, including cosmology, mythology, rituals, and various arts. However, it does not specifically elevate painting to the highest status among the arts. While it may mention arts in general, it lacks the focused and detailed treatment of painting found in the Vishnudharmottar Puran.

- **Option 3: Brahm Puran**
     - The Brahm Puran primarily deals with cosmology, mythology, and religious rituals. It does not provide a detailed discourse on the arts, particularly painting, in the manner that the Vishnudharmottar Puran does. Therefore, it does not give painting the highest place among the arts.

- **Option 4: Garud Puran**
     - The Garud Puran is mainly known for its focus on rituals, ethics, and the afterlife. It does not emphasize the arts, including painting, to the extent that the Vishnudharmottar Puran does. As such, it does not accord painting the highest place among the arts.

In conclusion, the Vishnudharmottar Puran is uniquely distinguished for its in-depth exploration and high regard for painting, making Option 2 the correct answer.