Q1. Who among the following coined the term Rajput Painting in his 1916 publication to distinguish it from Mughal Painting?
Schools of Painting and Handicrafts: RAS Prelims MCQs
109 RAS Prelims MCQs on the schools of painting and handicrafts of Rajasthan ask for the features, patrons and artists of each school. Mewar, Marwar, Bundi, Kota, Bikaner, Amber-Jaipur and Alwar are asked alongside crafts such as Pichhwai, Usta art and Bandhani, so learn each school with its signature subject and the ruler who supported it.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 109 questions
Q2. Select the correct chronological sequence of the historical texts that influenced the early development of Rajasthan’s painting traditions.
Explanation
The early development of Rajasthan’s painting traditions follows a distinct chronological sequence of illustrated manuscripts. The Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni dates back to 1260 AD, followed by the Kalpasutra and Supasanah Chariyam from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Finally, the Rasikpriya emerged during the later development of various schools, reflecting the transition from early Jain manuscript styles to classical Rajput traditions.
Q3. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the origin and development of Rajput painting.
Explanation
The Bhakti movement played a foundational role in shaping Rajput painting, contrary to claims of its negligible influence. It provided the thematic backbone for many works, particularly those focusing on Vaishnavism and the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Artists shifted from simple manuscript illustrations to expressive portrayals of devotion, making the movement central to the cultural and artistic evolution of the region.
Q4. Read the following statements carefully and select the correct answer from the codes given below.
Assertion (A): Early Rajput miniature paintings predominantly featured themes of Nayak- Nayika Bheda and Krishna Leela.
Reason (R): The revival of Vaishnavism and the spread of the Bhakti movement created a strong cultural demand for visualizing divine romanticism.
Assertion (A): Early Rajput miniature paintings predominantly featured themes of Nayak- Nayika Bheda and Krishna Leela.
Reason (R): The revival of Vaishnavism and the spread of the Bhakti movement created a strong cultural demand for visualizing divine romanticism.
Explanation
Early Rajput miniature paintings frequently depicted themes of Nayak-Nayika Bheda and Krishna Leela because of the widespread revival of Vaishnavism. The Bhakti movement created a profound cultural demand for visual representations of divine romanticism and spiritual devotion. Consequently, the artistic focus shifted toward illustrating romantic moods and sacred narratives, where the relationship between the soul and the divine was beautifully personified through art.
Q5. The earliest dated miniature painting of Rajasthan, Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni, was painted by which artist during the reign of Rawal Tejsingh of Mewar?
Explanation
Kamalchandra was the talented artist responsible for painting the Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni in 1260 AD. This work was completed in Ahar, Udaipur, during the reign of Rawal Tejsingh of Mewar. As the earliest dated miniature painting in the region, it serves as a vital historical link between the ancient Western Indian manuscript style and the emerging Mewar school of painting.
Q6. The manuscript Supasanah Chariyam, a landmark in the evolution of Rajput painting, was painted in which year?
Explanation
The Supasanah Chariyam is a landmark illustrated manuscript in the evolution of Rajasthani art, painted in 1423 AD. This historical text was created during the reign of Maharana Mokal of Mewar at Delwara. It represents a significant transition in artistic style, showcasing earlier influences while paving the way for the refined miniature traditions that would later define the various Rajput schools.
Q7. Which of the following best describes the distinction between the Rajput and Mughal schools of painting as theorized by early art historians?
Explanation
Early art historians distinguished Rajput painting from Mughal painting by focusing on their core philosophies. Rajput art is predominantly spiritual and deeply rooted in local folk traditions, emphasizing religious themes and emotional devotion.
Q8. Match the features or themes in List I with the corresponding schools of painting in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Features/Themes | Schools of Painting |
|---|---|
| A. Prominence of yellow and red colors | i. Bundi School |
| B. Abundance of hunting scenes | ii. Kota School |
| C. Depiction of green backgrounds and animal fights | iii. Jaipur School |
| D. Extensive use of gold and silver with life-size portraits | iv. Mewar School |
Explanation
The Mewar school favours yellow and red, the Kota school hunting scenes, the Bundi school green backgrounds and animal fights, and the Jaipur school gold and silver with life-size portraits. This gives A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii.
Q9. The establishment of an art academy named "Chiteron ki Ovari" (also known as Tasveera ro Karkhano) in Udaipur is credited to which ruler?
Explanation
The art academy Chiteron ki Ovari, also called Tasveera ro Karkhano, was set up in Udaipur by Maharana Jagat Singh I, who gave strong patronage to painting.
Q10. Which among the following is not a recognized sub-school of the broader Mewar style of painting?
Explanation
Nathdwara, Devgarh and Chawand are recognised sub-schools of Mewar painting. Uniara belongs to the Jaipur-Kishangarh region and not to Mewar, so it is the exception.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Anand Coomaraswamy |
| 2 | (c) Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni, Kalpasutra, Supasanah Chariyam, Rasikpriya |
| 3 | (c) The Bhakti movement played a negligible role in shaping the thematic choices of Rajput painting. |
| 4 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 5 | (c) Kamalchandra |
| 6 | (d) 1423 AD |
| 7 | (a) Rajput painting is spiritual and folk-rooted, while Mughal painting is court-centric and materialistic. |
| 8 | (c) A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii |
| 9 | (a) Maharana Jagat Singh I |
| 10 | (d) Uniara |
Key facts from Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
- Anand Coomaraswamy coined the term Rajput Painting in 1916.
- The earliest dated miniature of Rajasthan is the Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni, painted by Kamalchandra.
- Supasanah Chariyam, painted in 1423, is a landmark manuscript.
- The Bundi school is famed for nature, rain, clouds and lush vegetation; the Kota school for hunting scenes.
- Usta art, painting on camel hide, belongs to the Bikaner school, whose golden age came under Maharaja Anup Singh.
- The Alwar school is known for paintings on ivory plates, and Pichhwai are cloth paintings of the Nathdwara school.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Schools of Painting and Handicrafts?
This page has 109 practice MCQs on Schools of Painting and Handicrafts (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who coined the term Rajput Painting?
Anand Coomaraswamy, in his 1916 publication on the subject. He used the term to distinguish the paintings of the Rajput courts of Rajasthan and the hills from Mughal painting, and the name has stayed in use since.
What are Pichhwai paintings?
Pichhwai are cloth paintings hung behind the idol of Shrinathji at Nathdwara, showing scenes from the divine life of Krishna. They belong to the Nathdwara sub-school of Mewar painting and are made for different festivals and seasons.
Which Rajasthan painting school is known for hunting scenes?
The Kota school, which is remembered for its dynamic and extensive portrayal of hunting scenes. Its paintings show rulers hunting in forests and hills, set in lively landscapes with animals in motion.