Q71. The Turra-Kalangi tradition found significant patronage and popularity primarily in which region of Rajasthan?
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 71–80 of 90 questions
Q72. The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak, known for its rapid pirouettes (chakkars) and complex footwork, was pioneered by which famous classical artist?
Explanation
Bhanuji is regarded as the pioneer and founder of the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak. He is credited with introducing the ‘Tandava’ elements and emphasizing the vigorous, rhythmic aspects of the dance. Under his influence and that of his descendants, the Jaipur style developed its characteristic focus on complex footwork, fast pirouettes, and technical mastery, distinguishing it from other schools.
Q73. Match List I with List II regarding musical Gharanas of Rajasthan and their prominent artists/founders.
| Musical Gharana of Rajasthan | Prominent Artist/Founder |
|---|---|
| A. Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana | i. Pandit Jasraj |
| B. Dagar Gharana | ii. Ustad Alladiya Khan |
| C. Mewati Gharana | iii. Surat Sen |
| D. Senia Gharana | iv. Behram Khan |
Explanation
The Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana was founded by Ustad Alladiya Khan. The Dagar Gharana, famous for Dhrupad, was established by Behram Khan. The Mewati Gharana is prominently represented by Pandit Jasraj in modern times, though its roots are older. The Senia Gharana traces its lineage through Surat Sen, a descendant of Tansen. These schools represent the high classical musical heritage of Rajasthan.
Q74. The famous treatise on classical music, ‘Radha Govind Sangeet Saar’, was composed during the reign of which patron king of Jaipur?
Explanation
‘Radha Govind Sangeet Saar’ is a monumental treatise on classical music compiled during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur. He was a great patron of the arts and literature, hosting a large assembly of scholars and musicians in his court. This work remains a vital reference for understanding the musical theories and practices of eighteenth-century Rajasthan.
Q75. Read the following statements regarding the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak and select the correct option.
Statement I: The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak heavily emphasizes the devotional aspects and intricate rhythmic patterns (Tatkar).
Statement II: Unlike the Lucknow Gharana, the Jaipur Gharana places lesser emphasis on delicate facial expressions (Abhinaya) and more on technical footwork.
Statement I: The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak heavily emphasizes the devotional aspects and intricate rhythmic patterns (Tatkar).
Statement II: Unlike the Lucknow Gharana, the Jaipur Gharana places lesser emphasis on delicate facial expressions (Abhinaya) and more on technical footwork.
Explanation
The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak is noted for its focus on ‘Layakari’ and complex ‘Tatkar’. Unlike the Lucknow Gharana, which emphasizes ‘Nazakat’ and expressive ‘Abhinaya’, the Jaipur school prioritizes technical brilliance, power, and speed. This stylistic choice reflects its historical development as a form that celebrated both devotional themes and the martial spirit of the region.
Q76. Which of the following vocal styles is NOT traditionally categorized under the Hindustani classical music traditions cultivated in the royal courts of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Dhrupad, Dhamar, and Khayal are all major vocal styles of Hindustani classical music that received extensive patronage in the royal courts of Rajasthan, leading to the development of specific Gharanas.
Q77. What is the most appropriate description of the ‘Haveli Sangeet’ tradition prominent in regions like Nathdwara in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Haveli Sangeet is devotional temple music sung in praise of Lord Krishna, as at Nathdwara. It is part of the worship of the Pushti Marg.
Q78. Arrange the following key historical developments of Dhrupad in Rajasthan in chronological order:
A. The original formulation of Dhrupad in Gwalior (Raja Mansingh Tomar’s era).
B. The establishment and patronage of the Dagar Gharana in the courts of Rajasthan.
C. The formal compilation of ‘Radha Govind Sangeet Saar’ in Jaipur.
Select the correct sequence from the options below:
A. The original formulation of Dhrupad in Gwalior (Raja Mansingh Tomar’s era).
B. The establishment and patronage of the Dagar Gharana in the courts of Rajasthan.
C. The formal compilation of ‘Radha Govind Sangeet Saar’ in Jaipur.
Select the correct sequence from the options below:
Explanation
Dhrupad was formulated in Gwalior in the time of Raja Man Singh Tomar, the Radha Govind Sangeet Saar was compiled in Jaipur and the Dagar Gharana was patronised in Rajasthan courts later. The order is A, C, B.
Q79. The internationally famous Rajasthani folk song "Kesariya Balam Aavo Ni, Padharo Mhare Desh" is predominantly sung in which distinct vocal style?
Explanation
The song Kesariya Balam is sung in the Maand style, the stylised court music of Rajasthan. Manganiyar and Langa styles are different community traditions.
Q80. Identify the correct pair regarding the folk music of Rajasthan and its core thematic essence.
Explanation
Panihari songs are songs of women fetching water, which is an important part of desert life. The other pairs have the wrong themes.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) Chittorgarh-Ghosunda region |
| 72 | (c) Bhanuji |
| 73 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 74 | (b) Sawai Pratap Singh |
| 75 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 76 | (d) Kirtana singing |
| 77 | (a) Devotional temple music sung in praise of Lord Krishna. |
| 78 | (c) A, C, B |
| 79 | (b) Maand style |
| 80 | (a) Panihari - Songs of women fetching 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.