Chitra-sutra is related to which Purana?

Question

Accepted Answer

Chitra-sutra is related to the Vishnudharmottar Purana, which is why Option 3 is the correct answer. The Vishnudharmottar Purana is a significant ancient Indian text that is part of the larger corpus of Puranic literature. It is particularly renowned for its detailed discussions on various arts, including painting, sculpture, and iconography, which are collectively referred to as the Chitra-sutra.

1. **Explanation for Option 3 (Vishnudharmottar Purana):**
   - The Vishnudharmottar Purana is a supplementary text to the Vishnu Purana and is known for its extensive treatment of the arts. The Chitra-sutra, a section within this Purana, provides comprehensive guidelines and principles related to the art of painting. It covers various aspects such as the preparation of colors, the depiction of different subjects, and the symbolic meanings behind artistic representations. This makes the Vishnudharmottar Purana a crucial source for understanding ancient Indian art and aesthetics.

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

- **Option 1 (Padma Purana):**
     - The Padma Purana is one of the major Puranas and is primarily focused on religious and mythological narratives, including stories of the creation of the universe, genealogies of gods, and legends of various deities. While it is an important text, it does not specifically focus on the arts or contain a section equivalent to the Chitra-sutra.

- **Option 2 (Garuda Purana):**
     - The Garuda Purana is another significant Purana that deals with various topics, including cosmology, ethics, and rituals. It is particularly known for its discussions on the afterlife and funeral rites. However, it does not emphasize the arts or contain detailed instructions on painting like the Chitra-sutra found in the Vishnudharmottar Purana.

- **Option 4 (Markandey Purana):**
     - The Markandey Purana is known for its narrative of the Devi Mahatmya, which celebrates the goddess Durga. It focuses on religious stories and philosophical teachings rather than the arts. Therefore, it does not include a section like the Chitra-sutra that is dedicated to painting and artistic practices.

In conclusion, the Vishnudharmottar Purana is the correct source for the Chitra-sutra, as it provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and techniques of painting, distinguishing it from the other Puranas listed in the options.