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 61–70 of 90 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q61. Match List I with List II regarding famous Rammats and their primary themes.
Famous Rammats
Subject/Theme
A. Hedau Meri Ri Rammat
i. Nationalist and patriotic themes
B. Amar Singh Rathore Ri Rammat
ii. Bravery and historical valor
C. Phagu Maharaj Ri Rammat
iii. Mythological and social satire
D. Swatantra Bawan Ri Rammat
iv. Idealistic love and marital conflicts
Explanation
Famous Rammats focus on varied themes. ‘Hedau Meri Ri Rammat’ deals with idealistic love and marital conflicts, while ‘Amar Singh Rathore Ri Rammat’ highlights historical valor and bravery. ‘Phagu Maharaj Ri Rammat’ often incorporates mythological or satirical elements, and ‘Swatantra Bawan’ is uniquely known for its nationalist and patriotic themes, reflecting the political consciousness of the era of composition.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q62. Identify the correct pair regarding the prominent poets (Ustads) associated with the Rammat tradition.
Explanation
In the Rammat tradition, specific poets or ‘Ustads’ are famous for their compositions. Jawahar Lal Purohit is the renowned author of ‘Hedau Meri Ri Rammat’, a classic of the Bikaner style. Other famous figures include Tej Kavi, who is associated with the Jaisalmer style, and Nanu Ram, who is actually a pioneer of the Shekhawati Khyal rather than the Jaisalmer Rammat.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q63. Tej Kavi of Jaisalmer famously authored ‘Swatantra Bawan’ (Fifty-two poems of independence) and presented it to which prominent historical figure?
Explanation
Tej Kavi of Jaisalmer was a patriotic poet who used the Rammat stage to promote the Indian independence movement. He famously authored ‘Swatantra Bawan’, a collection of fifty-two poems filled with nationalist fervor. In a bold act of defiance against colonial rule, he presented a copy of this work to Mahatma Gandhi, signaling the role of folk arts.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q64. Consider the following statements about the musical aspects of Rammat: I. The performance is heavily dialogue-oriented, delivered in a musical, poetic cadence. II. Nagada and Dholak are the primary percussion instruments used. III. It strictly uses Western classical notations for its background score. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rammat is characterized by lengthy, poetic dialogues delivered in a musical cadence, supported by percussion instruments like the nagada and dholak. The music is purely folk-based and follows traditional rhythmic patterns. It does not use Western classical notations or orchestral arrangements, as its appeal lies in its authentic, localized sound that resonates with the rural and urban populations of Rajasthan.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q65. The Turra-Kalangi folk opera tradition is fundamentally defined by the poetic dialogue and philosophical rivalry between which two symbolic factions?
Explanation
The Turra-Kalangi folk opera is centered on the philosophical and poetic rivalry between two symbolic factions: Turra, representing Lord Shiva, and Kalangi, representing Goddess Parvati. This dualism forms the basis of the entire performance, as each side attempts to outwit the other through complex verses and spiritual debates, making it a unique blend of religion, philosophy, and theatre.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q66. Consider the following statements regarding the origins and symbolism in Turra-Kalangi: I. ‘Turra’ represents Lord Shiva. II. ‘Kalangi’ represents Goddess Parvati. III. The tradition was initiated by two saints, Tukangir and Shah Ali. IV. The performers sit quietly and only mime the stories without speaking. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Turra and Kalangi represent Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, respectively, and the tradition was indeed founded by the saints Tukangir and Shah Ali. The performance is anything but quiet; it is a loud and vibrant poetic debate where performers actively sing and engage in verbal competition. The idea of it being a silent mime performance is incorrect, as its essence is verbal.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q67. In the context of the Turra-Kalangi folk opera, find the odd one out among the listed elements that do not fit the traditional format of the performance.
Explanation
Traditional Turra-Kalangi involves a ‘Dangal’ (competition), a ‘Mach’ (stage), and the use of the ‘Chang’ (percussion). These are integral to its competitive and public nature. The Purdah system, or the veiling of performers, is not part of this tradition. It is a masculine and public form of poetic debate where performers face each other and the audience directly on platforms.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q68. The Turra-Kalangi performance involves a structured poetic debate (Dangal). Arrange the following events in the correct sequence typical of a Turra-Kalangi performance: A. Stage decoration (Mach) B. Initial hymns C. Poetic question by one faction D. Poetic rebuttal by the opposing faction Select the correct sequence from the options below:
Explanation
A Turra-Kalangi performance follows a logical progression. It begins with the decoration of the stage (Mach), followed by the chanting of initial hymns to seek blessings. The core of the performance is the ‘Dangal’, where one faction poses a poetic question or challenge, which is then met by a poetic rebuttal or answer from the opposing side throughout the night.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q69. Match List I with List II regarding Turra-Kalangi elements and their meanings.
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
Explanation
Tukangir was the saint associated with the Turra (Shiva) faction, while Shah Ali represented the Kalangi (Parvati) side.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q70. Which of the following statements correctly identifies a unique aspect of the Turra-Kalangi folk theatre compared to other Rajasthani forms?
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.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
61
(a) A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i
62
(c) Jawahar Lal Purohit - Hedau Meri Ri Rammat
63
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
64
(a) I and II only
65
(b) Shiva and Parvati
66
(a) I, II, and III
67
(c) Purdah system (Veiling of performers)
68
(a) A, B, C, D
69
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv
70
(b) The audience participates by taking sides in poetic debates.
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.
