In the history of Indian painting, the devotional cult of Krishna with scenes from his life and legends is primarily and most vividly exhibited through which school of art?

Introduction / Context:
The figure of Krishna occupies a central place in Bhakti traditions and Indian visual culture. Different schools of painting have represented Krishna in various ways, but some traditions are especially famous for their rich and continuous focus on Krishna stories, especially from texts like the Bhagavata Purana and the Gita Govinda. This question asks which school of art primarily exhibits the cult of Krishna in a very distinctive manner.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is the cult of Krishna in Indian art.
• We must identify which school of art is best known for Krishna themed paintings.
• Options include Rajasthani, Mughal, Bengal and other traditions spanning different periods.

Concept / Approach:
While Krishna appears in many forms of Indian art, the Rajasthani and closely related Pahari miniature schools are especially associated with devotional paintings of Krishna as child, lover and divine hero. These schools produced series of paintings illustrating amorous sports in Vrindavan, the Raslila and episodes from the Gita Govinda. Mughal painting, in contrast, focused more on courtly life, battles and portraits, while the modern Bengal school had nationalist and spiritual concerns but not such a dominant emphasis on Krishna narratives.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the term Rajasthani school covers several centres such as Mewar, Marwar, Kishangarh and Bundi, where Krishna themes were very popular. Step 2: Remember that many famous images of Krishna with Radha, the Raslila, and other Braj scenes come from Rajasthani and Pahari miniatures. Step 3: Note that Mughal art, although refined, mainly served imperial interests rather than Krishna devotion. Step 4: Recognise that the Bengal school emerged in the colonial period with a different agenda, linked to nationalism and new aesthetics. Step 5: Choose the option that explicitly identifies the Rajasthani school of miniature painting as the primary vehicle for Krishna cult imagery, which is option B.

Verification / Alternative check:
As a quick check, think of well known art examples such as the Kishangarh paintings of Krishna and Radha or Pahari series illustrating the Gita Govinda. These are usually classified under Rajasthani and Pahari schools. If you survey standard history of art textbooks, they consistently showcase Krishna miniatures when describing these schools, confirming that this tradition is the best answer for the question about the cult of Krishna.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, ancient rock and cave art, belongs to a much earlier phase and does not consistently centre on Krishna. Option C, the Mughal school, did occasionally depict Hindu themes but is better known for portraits, battles and court scenes. Option D, the Bengal school, focused on a mix of mythological and patriotic subjects but is not the primary tradition for Krishna cult imagery. Option E, early Mauryan court art, predates the rise of strong Krishna Bhakti traditions and therefore is historically unsuitable.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes choose the Mughal school simply because it is a famous court style without considering the subject matter. Another pitfall is to confuse any devotional painting with Krishna specific cult imagery. To avoid mistakes, memorise a clear link between Krishna Bhakti themes and Rajasthani and Pahari miniature traditions in your art history notes.

Final Answer:
The cult of Krishna is primarily and vividly exhibited through the Rajasthani and Pahari school of miniature painting.