Q21. A choreographer is designing a stage performance that requires dancers to glide smoothly across the floor with illuminated brass pots on their heads without spilling the contents or dropping the flames. Which traditional Rajasthan dance technique must the choreographer study?
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 21–30 of 90 questions
Q22. Who among the following is widely celebrated as the most famous dancer and an exponent of the Chari dance of Kishangarh?
Explanation
Falaku Bai is widely recognized as the most prominent exponent and pioneer of the Chari dance from the Kishangarh region. Her dedication to the art form and her exceptional skill in performing the complex balancing acts brought national and international attention to this tradition. She played a pivotal role in transitioning Chari from a community ritual to a stage performance.
Q23. Match List I with List II regarding Rajasthani arts and their famous exponents.
| Dance/Art | Famous Exponent |
|---|---|
| A. Kalbelia | i. Allah Jilai Bai |
| B. Chari | ii. Mangi Bai |
| C. Terah Taali | iii. Gulabo Sapera |
| D. Maand (Singing) | iv. Falaku Bai |
Explanation
Specific artists have become synonymous with Rajasthani performing arts. Gulabo Sapera is the face of Kalbelia, while Falaku Bai is the legendary exponent of Chari. Mangi Bai is a celebrated performer of the Terah Taali dance, and Allah Jilai Bai is world-renowned for her mastery of the Maand style of singing, particularly for the song "Kesariya Balam".
Q24. The Bhavai dance of Rajasthan is most distinguished by which of the following performance elements?
Explanation
Bhavai is a highly professional folk dance form of Rajasthan, distinguished by its focus on extreme physical agility and spectacular balancing feats. It is not primarily about narrative or devotion but about the thrill of execution. Dancers perform complex movements while managing multiple objects, making it one of the most visually exciting and suspenseful traditional performances in the state.
Q25. Consider the following statements about the Bhavai dance:
I. It involves balancing 7 to 9 brass or earthen pitchers on the head.
II. Dancers perch their feet on the edges of swords or glass bottles.
III. The dance is characterized by fast-paced footwork without losing balance.
IV. It is exclusively performed by the Sahariya tribe of Baran.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It involves balancing 7 to 9 brass or earthen pitchers on the head.
II. Dancers perch their feet on the edges of swords or glass bottles.
III. The dance is characterized by fast-paced footwork without losing balance.
IV. It is exclusively performed by the Sahariya tribe of Baran.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Bhavai dancers are known for balancing seven to nine pitchers on their heads while performing intricate footwork. The spectacle is heightened as they perch their feet on sword edges or glass shards without losing balance. This tradition is practiced by communities like the Bhavaiyas and Jats, rather than being exclusive to the Sahariya tribe of the Baran district.
Q26. Identify the odd element out that does not align with the traditional acts performed during a Bhavai dance performance.
Explanation
Traditional Bhavai performances include balancing on the rim of a brass thali, dancing on the sharp edges of naked swords, and moving gracefully over broken glass pieces. These acts test the dancer’s concentration and physical control. While visually dramatic, juggling fire batons is not a standard or traditional component of the Bhavai balancing repertoire, which focuses more on physical equilibrium.
Q27. Which of the following statements regarding the origins and community associated with the Bhavai dance is incorrect?
Explanation
Bhavai is a professional folk dance believed to have originated in the border regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, performed primarily by the Bhavai community. It requires intense training and is traditionally performed in open spaces for public entertainment or festive gatherings. It is not a strictly religious dance confined to temple sanctums, as its primary purpose is physical skill.
Q28. In a classic Bhavai performance, a dancer executes a series of escalating balancing acts.
Arrange the following traditional balancing props in the correct order from least complex (base level) to most complex (climax acts):
Arrange the following traditional balancing props in the correct order from least complex (base level) to most complex (climax acts):
Explanation
In a classic Bhavai performance, the complexity of the acts typically escalates to build suspense. The dancer begins with simpler acts, such as balancing a single pot, before moving to multiple pitchers. The difficulty increases when they perform on the rim of a brass thali, culminating in the most hazardous and spectacular feat of dancing on shards of glass.
Q29. The musical accompaniment for the Bhavai dance typically relies heavily on which of the following instruments?
Explanation
The musical accompaniment for Bhavai dance is designed to be as energetic as the performance itself. It relies heavily on a strong rhythm section to maintain the fast pace of the footwork. Common instruments include percussion like the pakhawaj and dholak, along with the jhanjhar (cymbals), which provide the necessary rhythmic drive and auditory excitement for the sequences.
Q30. Consider the following attributes regarding the Bhavai dance of Rajasthan:
I. Focuses on balancing multiple pitchers.
II. Involves dancing on the edge of a sword.
III. Patronized by the former feudal lords of Mewar.
IV. Known for its thrilling and suspenseful nature.
V. Requires no formal training or practice.
Which of the above attributes is/are FALSE?
I. Focuses on balancing multiple pitchers.
II. Involves dancing on the edge of a sword.
III. Patronized by the former feudal lords of Mewar.
IV. Known for its thrilling and suspenseful nature.
V. Requires no formal training or practice.
Which of the above attributes is/are FALSE?
Explanation
Bhavai is a highly skilled art form that requires years of rigorous practice and formal training to master the dangerous balancing acts. Claims that it requires no training are false. The dance is indeed known for its thrilling nature, focuses on multiple pitchers, and was historically patronized by local elites who appreciated the professional skill demonstrated by performers.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (d) Chari |
| 22 | (a) Falaku Bai |
| 23 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i |
| 24 | (b) Extraordinary acrobatic balancing acts |
| 25 | (b) I, II, and III |
| 26 | (c) Juggling fire batons in the air |
| 27 | (d) It is a strictly religious dance performed only inside temple sanctums. |
| 28 | (a) Single pot Edge of a thali Broken glass Multiple pots (7-9) |
| 29 | (d) Rhythm section with Pakhawaj, Dholak, and Jhanjhar |
| 30 | (b) V only |
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.