| Turra-Kalangi Elements | Association/Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Tukangir | i. Represented the Kalangi (Parvati) faction |
| B. Shah Ali | ii. The highly decorated stage for the performance |
| C. Mach | iii. Represented the Turra (Shiva) faction |
| D. Dangal | iv. The poetic competition between the two sides |
Rajasthan History, Art and Culture: RAS Prelims MCQs
1767 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on the history, art, culture, literature and heritage of Rajasthan are on this page, in 17 chapters. They run from prehistoric sites and inscriptions through the Rajput dynasties, the Mughal and British periods and the integration of Rajasthan, then move to forts, painting, folk arts, language, saints, fairs and leading personalities. Questions come as plain facts, statement sets, match-the-list tables and assertion-reason items, each with an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1331–1340 of 1767 questions
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Explanation
A unique feature of Turra-Kalangi compared to other folk forms is the active role of the audience, who often divide themselves into supporters of either the Turra or Kalangi factions. This participation turns the poetic debate into a communal event, where the viewers’ reactions and cheers influence the atmosphere of the competition. It is a highly interactive and intellectually engaging form.Explanation
Although it has roots that trace back to central India, the Turra-Kalangi tradition found its most significant patronage and enduring popularity in the Chittorgarh and Ghosunda regions of Rajasthan. The local communities here have preserved the ‘Dangal’ culture, where teams of poets compete on elaborately built stages. This region remains the heartland of this distinctive Shiva-Shakti philosophical folk opera.Explanation
Bhanuji is regarded as the pioneer and founder of the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak. He is credited with introducing the ‘Tandava’ elements and emphasizing the vigorous, rhythmic aspects of the dance. Under his influence and that of his descendants, the Jaipur style developed its characteristic focus on complex footwork, fast pirouettes, and technical mastery, distinguishing it from other schools.| Musical Gharana of Rajasthan | Prominent Artist/Founder |
|---|---|
| A. Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana | i. Pandit Jasraj |
| B. Dagar Gharana | ii. Ustad Alladiya Khan |
| C. Mewati Gharana | iii. Surat Sen |
| D. Senia Gharana | iv. Behram Khan |
Explanation
The Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana was founded by Ustad Alladiya Khan. The Dagar Gharana, famous for Dhrupad, was established by Behram Khan. The Mewati Gharana is prominently represented by Pandit Jasraj in modern times, though its roots are older. The Senia Gharana traces its lineage through Surat Sen, a descendant of Tansen. These schools represent the high classical musical heritage of Rajasthan.Explanation
‘Radha Govind Sangeet Saar’ is a monumental treatise on classical music compiled during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur. He was a great patron of the arts and literature, hosting a large assembly of scholars and musicians in his court. This work remains a vital reference for understanding the musical theories and practices of eighteenth-century Rajasthan.Statement I: The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak heavily emphasizes the devotional aspects and intricate rhythmic patterns (Tatkar).
Statement II: Unlike the Lucknow Gharana, the Jaipur Gharana places lesser emphasis on delicate facial expressions (Abhinaya) and more on technical footwork.
Explanation
The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak is noted for its focus on ‘Layakari’ and complex ‘Tatkar’. Unlike the Lucknow Gharana, which emphasizes ‘Nazakat’ and expressive ‘Abhinaya’, the Jaipur school prioritizes technical brilliance, power, and speed. This stylistic choice reflects its historical development as a form that celebrated both devotional themes and the martial spirit of the region.Explanation
Dhrupad, Dhamar, and Khayal are all major vocal styles of Hindustani classical music that received extensive patronage in the royal courts of Rajasthan, leading to the development of specific Gharanas.Explanation
Haveli Sangeet is devotional temple music sung in praise of Lord Krishna, as at Nathdwara. It is part of the worship of the Pushti Marg.A. The original formulation of Dhrupad in Gwalior (Raja Mansingh Tomar’s era).
B. The establishment and patronage of the Dagar Gharana in the courts of Rajasthan.
C. The formal compilation of ‘Radha Govind Sangeet Saar’ in Jaipur.
Select the correct sequence from the options below:
Explanation
Dhrupad was formulated in Gwalior in the time of Raja Man Singh Tomar, the Radha Govind Sangeet Saar was compiled in Jaipur and the Dagar Gharana was patronised in Rajasthan courts later. The order is A, C, B.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1331 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 1332 | (b) The audience participates by taking sides in poetic debates. |
| 1333 | (d) Chittorgarh-Ghosunda region |
| 1334 | (c) Bhanuji |
| 1335 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 1336 | (b) Sawai Pratap Singh |
| 1337 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 1338 | (d) Kirtana singing |
| 1339 | (a) Devotional temple music sung in praise of Lord Krishna. |
| 1340 | (c) A, C, B |
Key facts from Rajasthan History, Art and Culture
- Rajasthan history questions are fact-dense: sites with their districts, rulers with their forts, inscriptions with their dates.
- The integration of Rajasthan came in stages: the Matsya Union on 18 March 1948, the Rajasthan Union on 25 March 1948 and the United State of Rajasthan on 18 April 1948.
- Culture chapters reward pairs: a dance with its community, a painting school with its subject, a fair with its month.
- Statement-based and match-the-list items appear in every chapter, so partial knowledge is not enough; learn each fact with its context.
- Fort and monument questions often turn on one detail, such as the Jaivana cannon at Jaigarh or the 1,444 pillars of Ranakpur.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rajasthan History, Art and Culture?
This page has 1767 practice MCQs on Rajasthan History, Art and Culture. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Rajasthan history, art and culture set cover?
Seventeen chapters: prehistoric Rajasthan, sources of history, ancient society, major dynasties, resistance and cooperation with central power, administration and revenue, the 18th and 19th centuries, peasant and tribal movements, integration, temples and forts, water heritage, painting, performing arts, language, religious life, social life and leading personalities.
What types of questions are included?
Plain one-fact questions, statement sets (I, II, III), match-the-list tables, assertion-reason items, chronological-order questions and odd-one-out questions. The answer options use the same four-option format as the exam, so you can practise the pattern as well as the facts.
How should I revise Rajasthan history with these questions?
Take one chapter at a time. Attempt every question before opening the answer, read the explanation for the ones you got wrong and note each fact in a running list of places, rulers and dates. Return to the chapter after a few days and attempt it again.