Q1. Which community in Rajasthan is historically recognized for maintaining genealogical records and carrying forward the oral traditions of performing arts through patronage?
Performing Arts of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
90 RAS Prelims MCQs on the performing arts of Rajasthan test dances, communities, instruments and artists. Kalbelia, Chari, Bhavai, Gair and Terah Taali are asked with the group that performs them and the occasion, along with the string-puppet art of Kathputli, so learn every art form with its community and region.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 90 questions
Q2. Read the following statements regarding the folk performing arts of Rajasthan and select the correct option.
Statement I: The folk performing arts of Rajasthan were predominantly patronized by princely states and local chieftains before independence.
Statement II: The abolition of princely states led to an immediate and complete extinction of these traditional folk forms.
Statement I: The folk performing arts of Rajasthan were predominantly patronized by princely states and local chieftains before independence.
Statement II: The abolition of princely states led to an immediate and complete extinction of these traditional folk forms.
Explanation
Before independence, Rajasthan’s folk performing arts flourished under the direct patronage of princely states and local chieftains, who provided financial security and social status to artists. However, the abolition of these states did not lead to complete extinction. Instead, these traditional forms adapted by seeking new audiences, government support, and international recognition through cultural festivals.
Q3. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The performing arts in Rajasthan are deeply intertwined with the changing seasons, agricultural cycles, and local festivals.
Reason (R): Rajasthan historically has a predominantly agrarian and pastoral society where climatic shifts dictate community celebrations.
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The performing arts in Rajasthan are deeply intertwined with the changing seasons, agricultural cycles, and local festivals.
Reason (R): Rajasthan historically has a predominantly agrarian and pastoral society where climatic shifts dictate community celebrations.
Explanation
Rajasthan’s performing arts are inextricably linked to the state’s agrarian and pastoral lifestyle, where social life revolves around nature. Climatic shifts, such as the arrival of monsoons or harvest periods, dictate the timing of community celebrations and rituals. Consequently, many folk songs and dances specifically celebrate agricultural cycles, seasonal transitions, and local deities.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a traditional occasion for the performance of the festive folk arts by the Manganiyar community?
Explanation
The Manganiyar community of western Rajasthan is renowned for its sophisticated folk music, traditionally performed at auspicious social and life-cycle events. They serve hereditary patrons, performing during childbirth, naming ceremonies, and lavish wedding festivities. Unlike other specific ritualistic mourners, Manganiyars do not traditionally perform their festive musical repertoire for death or mourning rituals within their patron’s households.
Q5. The fundamental distinction between classical performing arts and folk performing arts in the context of Rajasthan lies primarily in which of the following aspects?
Explanation
The primary distinction between classical and folk performing arts in Rajasthan lies in their structural rigidity. Classical arts, like Kathak, are governed by strict rules, formalized training, and ancient scriptures or manuals. In contrast, folk arts are characterized by their spontaneity and lack of rigid codification, allowing for regional variations and organic evolution within communities.
Q6. The widespread elevation of Ghoomar to the status of a representative symbol of royal Rajasthani culture was a direct effect of which historical phenomenon?
Explanation
Ghoomar became a symbol of royal Rajasthani culture because Rajput royalty refined it and performed it in palaces. It began as a tribal dance of the Bhils and was later adopted by royal families.
Q7. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Ghoomar is characterized by measured, graceful, and synchronized movements rather than aggressive physical leaps.
Reason (R): The dance was historically adapted to be performed by women within the heavily restricted spatial and social confines of the Purdah system.
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Ghoomar is characterized by measured, graceful, and synchronized movements rather than aggressive physical leaps.
Reason (R): The dance was historically adapted to be performed by women within the heavily restricted spatial and social confines of the Purdah system.
Explanation
Ghoomar has measured, graceful and synchronised movements. It was adapted to be performed by women within the limits of the purdah system, which explains why it is not aggressive.
Q8. The widely celebrated Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan is primarily performed by a community traditionally associated with which occupation?
Explanation
The Kalbelia dance is performed by the Kalbelia community, which was traditionally linked with snake charming. The movements imitate a snake.
Q9. Consider the following features of the Kalbelia dance tradition:
I. The dancers wear black flowing skirts decorated with silver embroidery.
II. The dance involves highly sensuous and serpentine acrobatic movements.
III. The Pungi (Been) is a central musical instrument in the performance.
IV. The dance movements are primarily executed by men, while women play instruments.
V. It was included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list in 2010.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The dancers wear black flowing skirts decorated with silver embroidery.
II. The dance involves highly sensuous and serpentine acrobatic movements.
III. The Pungi (Been) is a central musical instrument in the performance.
IV. The dance movements are primarily executed by men, while women play instruments.
V. It was included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list in 2010.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Kalbelia dancers wear black flowing skirts with silver embroidery, the movements are serpentine, the Pungi is central and the art was listed by UNESCO in 2010. The dance is performed mainly by women, while men play the instruments, so IV is incorrect.
Q10. Read the following statements regarding the Kalbelia tradition and select the correct option.
Statement I: Kalbelia songs and musical traditions are transmitted purely orally from generation to generation.
Statement II: There are no written texts, scriptures, or formal training manuals for traditional Kalbelia music.
Statement I: Kalbelia songs and musical traditions are transmitted purely orally from generation to generation.
Statement II: There are no written texts, scriptures, or formal training manuals for traditional Kalbelia music.
Explanation
Kalbelia folk songs and musical traditions are preserved and transmitted purely through oral tradition across generations. There are no ancient written texts, formal scriptures, or standardized training manuals for this art form. Mastery is achieved through observation, imitation, and participation within the community, ensuring that the nuances of their unique melodies and rhythmic structures remain vibrant and authentic.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Charan and Bhat |
| 2 | (a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect |
| 3 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 4 | (d) Death and mourning rituals |
| 5 | (c) Folk arts lack rigid codification, unlike structured classical arts. |
| 6 | (a) Its refinement by Rajput royalty in palaces. |
| 7 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 8 | (b) Snake charming |
| 9 | (b) IV only |
| 10 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
Key facts from Performing Arts of Rajasthan
- Kalbelia songs and dances were inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List in 2010; Gulabo Sapera made the dance known worldwide.
- The Chari dance of the Ajmer-Kishangarh region, with balanced lit pots, is associated with the exponent Falaku Bai.
- Bhavai is known for its acrobatic balancing acts.
- The Gair dance is performed during Holi; the Bhil community is traditionally linked with it.
- Terah Taali is a devotional dance performed in reverence to Ramdevji by the Kamad community.
- Kathputli is the string puppet theatre of Rajasthan, and Amar Singh Rathore is a recurring theme.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Performing Arts of Rajasthan?
This page has 90 practice MCQs on Performing Arts of Rajasthan (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Rajasthan dance is on the UNESCO list?
Kalbelia, whose songs and dances were inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The art belongs to the Kalbelia community, traditionally linked with snake charming.
Who is Gulabo Sapera?
Gulabo Sapera is a Kalbelia artist who popularised the dance form on the global stage. Her performances took the swaying, serpent-like movements of Kalbelia to audiences abroad and helped it win international recognition.
Which Rajasthani deity is honoured in Terah Taali?
Ramdevji, the folk deity. The Kamad community women tie cymbals called manjiras to their bodies and strike them in rhythm while they sit and sing, which is why the performance is named Terah Taali.