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 81–90 of 90 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q81. Read the following statements regarding the Maand style of singing and select the correct option. Statement I: Maand is neither considered purely a classical raga nor a simple folk song; it is a sophisticated, stylized court music form of Rajasthan. Statement II: Maand singing traditionally developed in the royal courts of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur to praise the glory of the Rajput rulers.
Explanation
Maand is neither purely classical nor a simple folk song, and it grew up in the royal courts of Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur in praise of the rulers. Both statements are correct.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q82. In Rajasthani folk traditions, the term ‘Kurja’ refers to a migratory bird that is symbolically used in songs to represent:
Explanation
The Kurja is a migratory bird in folk songs. It is used symbolically as a messenger that carries notes between separated couples.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q83. Find the odd one out among the legendary exponents of the Maand singing style of Rajasthan.
Explanation
Allah Jilai Bai, Gavari Devi and Mangi Bai Arya are noted Maand singers. Gulabo Sapera is known as a Kalbelia dancer, so she is the odd one out.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q84. Which of the following statements about ‘Panihari’ songs is correct?
Explanation
Panihari songs reflect desert life and the value of water, and are sung by women who fetch it. They are not martial songs or ploughing songs.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q85. Which of the following is NOT a traditional context for the singing of the song ‘Hichki’ (hiccup) in the Mewat region?
Explanation
Hichki is a song of nostalgia and separation, sung when someone is being remembered by a loved one. It is not a mourning song for a battle, so D is not a traditional context.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q86. The Kamaicha, a bowed string instrument made of mango wood and covered with goat skin, is the defining instrument of which folk community in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Kamaicha is a bowed string instrument of mango wood covered with goat skin, and it is the defining instrument of the Manganiyar community.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q87. Identify the correct pair matching the Rajasthani musical instrument to its structural description.
Explanation
The Khartal is made of two pairs of smooth wooden blocks that are clapped together. The other pairs give wrong descriptions: the Morchang is a jaw harp and the Sarangi is a bowed instrument.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q88. Which of the following instruments is NOT classified as a ‘Sushir Vadya’ (wind instrument) in Rajasthani folk music?
Explanation
Bankia, Pungi and Satara are wind instruments (Sushir Vadya). The Bhapang is not a wind instrument, so it is the exception.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q89. What is the most appropriate description of the ‘Sindhi Sarangi’ used extensively in western Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Sindhi Sarangi is a bowed instrument with sympathetic strings, widely used in western Rajasthan, especially by the Langa musicians.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Performing Arts of Rajasthan
Q90. Find the odd one out among the following traditional musical instruments based on their method of sound production (classification).
Explanation
Dholak, Nagada and Chang are percussion instruments, which produce sound by striking a skin. The Rawanhattha is a bowed string instrument, so it is the odd one out.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
81
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
82
(d) A messenger carrying notes between separated couples.
83
(c) Gulabo Sapera
84
(b) They reflect desert life and the preciousness of water.
85
(d) It is sung during the mourning period following a battle.
86
(b) Manganiyars
87
(c) Khartal - Two pairs of smooth wooden blocks clapped together.
88
(d) Bhapang
89
(a) A bowed instrument with sympathetic strings for Langas.
90
(b) Rawanhattha
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.
