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 11–20 of 90 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q11. Match List I with List II regarding Rajasthani dance forms and their key identifying features.
Dance Forms
Key Identifying Feature
A. Kalbelia
i. Balancing multiple brass pitchers on the head
B. Ghoomar
ii. Serpentine movements in black attire
C. Bhavai
iii. Pirouetting in vibrant ghaghras
D. Terah Taali
iv. Striking manjiras tied to the body
Explanation
Each Rajasthani dance form has distinct identifying features. Kalbelia is known for serpentine movements in black attire, while Ghoomar is defined by graceful pirouettes in vibrant skirts. Bhavai is distinguished by the balancing of multiple pitchers on the head, often while standing on hazardous objects. Terah Taali involves a complex ritual of striking thirteen manjiras tied to the body.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q12. The internationally acclaimed artist Gulabo Sapera is credited with popularizing which traditional Rajasthani dance form on the global stage?
Explanation
Gulabo Sapera is the most renowned artist associated with the Kalbelia dance and is credited with bringing this Rajasthani folk form to international prominence. Her efforts helped transition the dance from a community ritual to a celebrated performing art on global stages. Her legacy is vital to the preservation and recognition of Kalbelia as significant world intangible heritage.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q13. Arrange the following intangible cultural heritage elements of India in the chronological order of their inscription on the UNESCO Representative List (earliest to latest): A. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana B. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan C. Kumbh Mela D. Durga Puja in Kolkata Select the correct sequence from the options below:
Explanation
The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has inscribed several Indian elements over the years. Ramlila was among the earliest in 2008, followed by the Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan in 2010. Kumbh Mela received recognition in 2017, and Durga Puja in Kolkata was inscribed in 2021, following a specific chronological timeline.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q14. Which of the following musical instruments is typically NOT associated with the musical ensemble of the Kalbelia dance?
Explanation
The musical ensemble for Kalbelia dance traditionally features the pungi, which provides the characteristic melody, along with percussion instruments like the duf, khanjari, and dholak. The morchang is also sometimes used for rhythmic texture. However, the kamaicha is a sophisticated bowed instrument specifically associated with the Manganiyar community of western Rajasthan and is not part of the Kalbelia repertoire.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q15. In which year did UNESCO officially recognize the Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan by inscribing them on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
Explanation
The Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan were officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. This international recognition highlighted the cultural significance of the community’s oral traditions, unique music, and highly skilled dance movements. The inscription helped in globalizing the form and securing measures for its preservation.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q16. The Chari dance, known for its visual spectacle of balancing illuminated pots, is a prominent folk dance of which specific region in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Chari dance is a visually stunning folk art form that is predominantly associated with the Ajmer-Kishangarh region of Rajasthan. It is a traditional ritual of the Gujjar community, characterized by women balancing brass pots on their heads. The dance captures the essence of desert life and communal celebration, making it a prominent cultural marker of this specific geographic area.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q17. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The Chari dance is performed by women balancing brass pots (charis) containing burning cotton seeds on their heads. Reason (R): The dance is a ritualistic expression of joy primarily performed by the Gujjar community to celebrate the birth of a male child and marriage functions.
Explanation
Chari dance involves women skillfully balancing brass pots containing burning cotton seeds on their heads. While it is indeed a ritualistic expression performed by the Gujjar community during celebrations like marriages or the birth of a male child, the physical act of balancing flaming pots is not directly explained by the occasion itself but stems from localized cultural traditions.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q18. Consider the following statements regarding the Chari dance: I. It is predominantly performed by the women of the Gujjar community. II. The dance reflects the traditional daily chore of women traveling long distances to collect water. III. It involves aggressive martial arts movements with swords. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Chari dance is primarily performed by women of the Gujjar community and serves as an artistic reflection of the traditional chore of collecting water from distant sources. It symbolizes the joy of bringing water to the home in a desert landscape. Unlike some other folk forms, it does not involve martial arts or the use of swords.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q19. Identify the correct pair regarding the Chari dance of Rajasthan.
Explanation
In a traditional Chari dance performance, the musical accompaniment is crucial, often featuring instruments like the dhol, nagada, and specifically the bankia, a brass wind instrument. The dance is performed by Gujjar women using brass pots and is a celebratory rather than a mourning ritual. The bankia provides the high-pitched melodic cues necessary for the synchronized group movements.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q20. Which of the following best describes the core thematic origin of the Chari dance in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The core thematic origin of the Chari dance lies in the everyday reality of desert life, specifically the essential task of collecting water. It transforms the laborious chore of carrying pots over long distances into a rhythmic and artistic expression of gratitude and joy. The dance celebrates the arrival of water and the resilience of women managing this vital resource.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
11
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv
12
(c) Kalbelia
13
(a) A, B, C, D
14
(d) Kamaicha
15
(c) 2010
16
(c) Ajmer-Kishangarh region
17
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
18
(a) I and II only
19
(b) Primary Instrument - Bankia
20
(c) An artistic expression of the joy found in gathering desert water.
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.
