Previous Year Question

The correct answer is Abul Hasan and Aqa Riza.

2. Abul Hasan — a Jahangir-period painter: Abul Hasan was one of the most celebrated painters at the court of Mughal emperor Jahangir. He was the son of the painter Aqa Riza and grew up under the patronage of Prince Salim, who later became Emperor Jahangir. IGNOU material specifically notes that Abul Hasan, son of Aqa Riza, grew up in the presence of Prince Salim.

Jahangir was greatly impressed by Abul Hasan's artistic ability. He conferred upon him the prestigious title “Nadir-uz-Zaman,” meaning a rarity or wonder of the age. Mughal painting under Jahangir developed particularly refined portraiture, naturalistic representation and close observation of individual character, and Abul Hasan was one of the major artists of this tradition. IGNCA material identifies him as one of Jahangir's favourite court painters.

3. Aqa Riza — a Jahangir-period painter: Aqa Riza was a painter trained in the Persian tradition and was associated with Prince Salim's independent painting atelier. His artistic connection continued into the period when Salim became Jahangir.

The Art of Mughal India, available through IGNCA, explicitly states that Prince Salim employed several painters before his accession and identifies Aqa Riza Jahangiri among the Persian-trained artists working in this milieu.

In contrast, 1. Abdus Samad and 4. Mir Sayyid Ali are primarily associated with the earlier Mughal painting tradition, especially the reigns of Humayun and Akbar. Both were Persian masters who came into Mughal service and became leading figures in the early imperial atelier.

They played important roles in the development of the famous Hamzanama project under Akbar. IGNCA material identifies Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad as the two major Persian masters associated with Akbar's atelier.

Thus—

Abdus Samad — mainly Humayun/Akbar period
Abul Hasan — Jahangir period ✔
Aqa Riza — Jahangir/Prince Salim tradition ✔
Mir Sayyid Ali — mainly Humayun/Akbar period