The Mughal School of Painting formed the spinal column of the various schools of Indian miniature art. Which one of the following painting styles was not affected by Mughal painting?

The correct answer is D because Kalighat painting was a folk art form that originated in the 19th century around the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal. Unlike the other styles mentioned, it was not influenced by the Mughal School. The Pahari, Rajasthani, and Kangra schools were all princely court arts that directly evolved or were heavily influenced by the Mughal style, adopting its techniques of fine detailing, royal themes, and Persian aesthetics. In contrast, Kalighat painting was a style developed by local artisans for the common people. It was characterized by bold outlines, vibrant colors, and brushwork that reflected daily life, social satire, and religious deities. Its evolution was influenced more by traditional rural scroll painting and contemporary British academic art rather than the refined Mughal miniature tradition.