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 51–60 of 90 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q51. Consider the following statements regarding the musical accompaniment in Kathputli: I. The puppeteer’s wife usually sits at the side of the stage playing the dholak. II. She sings the narrative songs explaining the actions of the puppets. III. The puppeteer himself sings classical ragas while pulling the strings. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
In a Kathputli performance, the puppeteer’s wife plays a crucial role by sitting at the side of the stage, playing the dholak and singing the narrative songs. She provides the verbal and rhythmic context for the puppets’ actions. The puppeteer focuses on manipulating the strings and creating character sounds with the Boli whistle; he does not typically sing classical ragas.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q52. The term ‘Khyal’ in the context of Rajasthani folk traditions specifically refers to:
Explanation
In the context of Rajasthani folk traditions, ‘Khyal’ refers to a vibrant form of folk theatre that integrates music, dance, and complex storytelling. It is a popular medium for narrating historical legends, romantic tales, and social satires. Each regional style of Khyal has its own unique musical structure and presentation, making it a cornerstone of the state’s rich performing arts heritage.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q53. Match List I with List II regarding types of Khyal and their founders.
Type of Khyal
Associated Person/Founder
A. Kuchamani Khyal
i. Nanu Ram
B. Shekhawati Khyal
ii. Lacchiram
C. Hela Khyal
iii. Nawab Alibakhsh
D. Alibakhshi Khyal
iv. Hela Shayar
Explanation
Kuchamani Khyal is linked with Lacchiram, Shekhawati Khyal with Nanu Ram, Hela Khyal with Hela Shayar and Alibakhshi Khyal with Nawab Alibakhsh. This gives A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q54. Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of the Kuchamani Khyal?
Explanation
In Kuchamani Khyal the male actors play female roles as well. It is a folk theatre form, open to the audience and not limited to courts.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q55. Read the following statements regarding the Hela Khyal and select the correct option. Statement I: Hela Khyal of the Lalsot (Dausa) region is characterized by the use of a large prominent drum called the ‘Bambat’ (Naubat). Statement II: The performers of Hela Khyal begin their performance by shouting a long, drawn-out cry known as ‘Hela’ to attract the audience.
Explanation
Hela Khyal of the Lalsot (Dausa) region uses a large drum called the Bambat or Naubat, and its performers begin with a long cry called Hela to attract the audience. Both statements are correct.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q56. Consider the following features regarding Alibakhshi Khyal: I. It originated in the Alwar region. II. It was heavily patronized by Nawab Alibakhsh. III. It blends Ahirwati dialect with Hindustani classical music elements. IV. It exclusively depicts the stories of British colonial officers. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Alibakhshi Khyal originated in the Alwar region, was patronised by Nawab Alibakhsh and blends the Ahirwati dialect with elements of Hindustani classical music. It does not depict British officers, so IV is wrong.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q57. Which of the following musical instruments is NOT conventionally associated with the performance of traditional Rajasthani Khyal folk dramas?
Explanation
Khyal performances use the Nagada, Harmonium and Dholak. The Sitar is not traditionally used, so it is the one not associated with them.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q58. ‘Chirawa’ in the Jhunjhunu district is historically famous for the evolution of which specific style of Khyal?
Explanation
Chirawa in Jhunjhunu district is known for Shekhawati Khyal, a folk drama style that grew in the Shekhawati region.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q59. The ‘Rammat’ folk theatre tradition of Rajasthan has its deepest historical and cultural roots predominantly in which two cities?
Explanation
Rammat, a folk theatre form, has its deepest roots in Bikaner and Jaisalmer, where it is performed in the open.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q60. A group of performers is staging a play in an open courtyard in Bikaner on a raised wooden platform called ‘Pata Sanskriti’, chanting poetic dialogues accompanied by the Nagada and Dholak during the festival of Holi. Identify the folk drama described above.
Explanation
Rammat is the folk drama of Bikaner and Jaisalmer, performed on a raised platform in open spaces during Holi, with chanted poetic dialogues, Nagada and Dholak.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(a) I and II only
52
(b) A folk drama blending music, dance, and complex storytelling.
53
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
54
(d) The male actors play the female roles as well.
55
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
56
(a) I, II, and III
57
(d) Sitar
58
(a) Shekhawati Khyal
59
(c) Bikaner and Jaisalmer
60
(d) Rammat
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.
