Q91. Which famous festival of Rajasthan is culturally synonymous with women wearing Leheriya sarees and dupattas?
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 91–100 of 109 questions
Q92. A Leheriya fabric that features five distinct colors in its wavy stripes is traditionally known as:
Explanation
A Leheriya fabric that features five distinct colors in its wavy stripes is traditionally known as Pachrangi Leheriya. The prefix ‘Pach’ means five, and ‘rangi’ refers to colors. This variation is highly prized for its vibrant and colorful appearance, achieved by meticulously dyeing the fabric multiple times in different hues while protecting previous colors through specialized tying techniques.
Q93. How is the ‘Mothda’ pattern technically different from the standard ‘Leheriya’?
Explanation
The technical difference between Mothda and Leheriya lies in the arrangement of the stripes. In Leheriya, the diagonal lines run parallel across the fabric without crossing each other. In contrast, Mothda is created by intersecting two sets of diagonal lines, resulting in a small checkered or diamond-like pattern. Both use the same resist-dyeing principles but differ in the direction and layering of the ties.
Q94. Match the textile traditions in List I with their key identifying features in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Textile Tradition | Key Identifying Feature |
|---|---|
| A. Bandhani | i. Diagonal wavy stripes |
| B. Leheriya | ii. Mud-resist dyeing |
| C. Dabu | iii. Fine dotted patterns created by tying knots |
| D. Bagru | iv. Natural dyes with dark backgrounds (Syahi- Begar) |
Explanation
Each textile tradition in Rajasthan has a unique identifying feature. Bandhani is known for fine dotted patterns created by tying knots. Leheriya is characterized by diagonal wavy stripes. Dabu utilizes a specialized mud-resist dyeing process to create patterns. Bagru print is identified by its use of natural dyes on dark backgrounds through the Syahi-Begar technique. These methods define the state’s diverse textile heritage.
Q95. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the cultural significance of Leheriya in Rajasthan.
Explanation
The statement that men in Rajasthan never wear Leheriya patterns is incorrect. While it is a very popular female attire, Leheriya safas (turbans) are frequently worn by men during festivals like Teej and other celebratory occasions. It is a culturally versatile pattern that signifies the monsoon season for everyone, and Jaipur remains a major center for producing authentic versions for both genders.
Q96. The miniature ivory carving and inlay work of Rajasthan reached high levels of craftsmanship primarily under the patronage of the rulers of which princely state?
Explanation
The miniature ivory carving and inlay work of Rajasthan reached exceptionally high levels of craftsmanship primarily under the patronage of the rulers of the Jaipur princely state. The Jaipur court attracted skilled artisans from across the region, encouraging the creation of intricate ornaments, idols, and decorative items. This support established Jaipur as a premier center for luxury crafts, which remains evident in its markets today.
Q97. Match the crafts in List I with their famous centers in Rajasthan in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Craft | Famous Center in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. Thewa Art | i. Pratapgarh |
| B. Blue Pottery | ii. Jaipur |
| C. Gota Patti | iii. Khandela |
| D. Lac Toys | iv. Sawai Madhopur |
Explanation
Rajasthan features several specialized craft centers. Thewa Art is exclusively practiced in Pratapgarh. Blue Pottery is the signature craft of Jaipur. Khandela in Sikar is famous for Gota Patti work on textiles. Sawai Madhopur is renowned for its traditional Lac toys. These regional specializations highlight the geographic diversity of the state’s artisanal heritage and the specific skills developed in each area.
Q98. Consider the following statements about Lacquer (Lac) work in Rajasthan:
I. Lac is a natural resin secreted by specific insects.
II. Jaipur and Jodhpur are major centers for Lac jewelry.
III. The artisans who traditional make Lac bangles are known as ‘Manihars’.
IV. Lacquer work is entirely devoid of any stone or glass embellishments.
V. Sawai Madhopur is renowned for its wooden toys coated with Lac.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Lac is a natural resin secreted by specific insects.
II. Jaipur and Jodhpur are major centers for Lac jewelry.
III. The artisans who traditional make Lac bangles are known as ‘Manihars’.
IV. Lacquer work is entirely devoid of any stone or glass embellishments.
V. Sawai Madhopur is renowned for its wooden toys coated with Lac.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Lac is a natural resin secreted by insects and is used by the Manihar community to create jewelry, especially in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Sawai Madhopur is also famous for lacquer-coated wooden toys. However, the statement that lacquer work is entirely devoid of stone or glass embellishments is incorrect, as traditional lac bangles are frequently encrusted with stones, beads, and glass for decoration.
Q99. Which of the following places in Rajasthan is famously known for crafting exquisite ivory bangles (Chuda), traditionally worn by brides from the Rajput community?
Explanation
Jodhpur is famously known for crafting exquisite ivory bangles, traditionally known as Chuda. These bangles are of great cultural significance, particularly for brides from the patronage of the Rajput community, who wear them as a symbol of marriage and auspiciousness. While ivory trade is now restricted, the tradition continues using alternative materials like plastic or bone, maintaining the aesthetic legacy of the original craft.
Q100. What impact did the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 have on the traditional ivory carving industry of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 had a significant impact on the traditional ivory carving industry by banning the trade of elephant ivory. This legal restriction forced local craftsmen to shift their skills to alternative materials such as camel bone and high-quality wood. While the core techniques of carving remained similar, the raw material change was necessary to comply with conservation laws.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 91 | (a) Teej |
| 92 | (d) Pachrangi Leheriya |
| 93 | (b) Mothda has intersecting diagonal lines, whereas Leheriya has non-intersecting lines. |
| 94 | (c) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 95 | (d) Men in Rajasthan never wear Leheriya patterns; it is strictly a female attire. |
| 96 | (a) Jaipur |
| 97 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 98 | (b) I, II, III, and V |
| 99 | (a) Jodhpur |
| 100 | (c) It banned elephant ivory trade, forcing a shift to camel bone and wood. |
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.