Q101. Khandela in Sikar district is widely acclaimed for which specific craft associated with textile embellishment and sometimes integrated with lacquer products?
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 101–109 of 109 questions
Q102. Consider the following statements regarding the craft of Lac in Rajasthan:
I. Heating is an essential part of the process to mold the Lac into bangles.
II. Lacquerwork is mostly done by the male members of the Manihar community, while women handle the retail selling.
III. Jaipur’s Tripolia Bazaar is heavily populated with traditional Lac bangle makers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Heating is an essential part of the process to mold the Lac into bangles.
II. Lacquerwork is mostly done by the male members of the Manihar community, while women handle the retail selling.
III. Jaipur’s Tripolia Bazaar is heavily populated with traditional Lac bangle makers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Heating is a vital step in the Lac process, allowing the resin to become soft and moldable into shapes like bangles. Jaipur’s Tripolia Bazaar is indeed a famous hub where many traditional Manihar artisans still practice this craft. However, the claim that only men make the items while women handle retail is inaccurate, as women often participate in the delicate finishing work.
Q103. The master craftsman who received national and international acclaim, including the Padma Shri, for his outstanding contribution to Thewa Art is:
Explanation
Mahesh Raj Soni is the master craftsman who has received significant national and international acclaim, including the prestigious Padma Shri, for his outstanding contributions to Thewa Art. As a leading member of the Raj Soni family, he has been instrumental in promoting and preserving this rare craft. His work has helped bring global recognition to the unique artistic heritage of Pratapgarh.
Q104. The world-famous Makrana marble, which was used in the construction of the Taj Mahal and the Victoria Memorial, is geologically categorized as:
Explanation
The world-famous Makrana marble is geologically categorized as a metamorphic rock. It was formed through the transformation of limestone under intense heat and pressure deep within the earth over millions of years. This process resulted in a dense, crystalline structure that gives the marble its exceptional strength, durability, and the characteristic white color that has been prized for centuries.
Q105. Makrana marble is structurally characterized by its high concentration of which chemical compound, contributing to its durability and pristine white color?
Explanation
Makrana marble is structurally characterized by an extremely high concentration of Calcium Carbonate, often exceeding ninety-eight percent. This purity contributes to its pristine white color and remarkable durability. Unlike other marbles with higher impurities, the high calcite content in Makrana marble ensures that it remains resistant to environmental degradation and retains its smooth, reflective surface for exceptionally long periods of time.
Q106. Consider the following statements about stone carving and marble craft in Rajasthan:
I. Jaipur is the largest center for marble carving and Murti Kala (idol making) in Rajasthan.
II. Khazane Walon Ka Rasta in Jaipur is renowned as a major hub for marble sculptors.
III. The artisans of Sompura Brahmin community are historically famous for temple architecture and stone carving.
IV. Makrana marble has been recognized globally and granted the Global Heritage Stone Resource status.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Jaipur is the largest center for marble carving and Murti Kala (idol making) in Rajasthan.
II. Khazane Walon Ka Rasta in Jaipur is renowned as a major hub for marble sculptors.
III. The artisans of Sompura Brahmin community are historically famous for temple architecture and stone carving.
IV. Makrana marble has been recognized globally and granted the Global Heritage Stone Resource status.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Jaipur is the premier center for marble carving and idol making, with Khazane Walon Ka Rasta being its most famous hub. The Sompura Brahmin community has a long history of expertise in temple architecture and stone carving across India. Furthermore, Makrana marble’s global significance was recently recognized when it was granted the prestigious Global Heritage Stone Resource status by international organizations.
Q107. Which region in Rajasthan is particularly famous for the mining and crafting of distinctive ‘Pink Marble’?
Explanation
The region of Babarmal, located near Udaipur, is particularly famous for the mining and crafting of a distinctive variety of Pink Marble. This stone is highly valued for its unique color and aesthetic appeal, and it is used extensively in both traditional and modern construction projects. The availability of diverse marble colors in Rajasthan reflects the complex and rich geological heritage of the state.
Q108. The black marble, heavily used for making statues and decorative items, is predominantly sourced from which location in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Black marble is predominantly sourced from Bhaislana in the Jaipur district. This variety of stone is characterized by its deep, dark hue and is a favorite material for sculptors making religious idols and decorative items.
Q109. Match the types of stone or marble in List I with their famous locations in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Type of Stone/Marble | Famous Location in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. White Marble | i. Jaisalmer |
| B. Yellow Marble | ii. Dholpur/Karauli |
| C. Green Marble | iii. Makrana |
| D. Red Stone | iv. Rikhabdeo (Udaipur) |
Explanation
White marble comes from Makrana, yellow marble from Jaisalmer, green marble from Rikhabdeo near Udaipur and red stone from Dholpur and Karauli. This gives A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (d) Gota Patti (Zari work) |
| 102 | (c) I and III only |
| 103 | (a) Mahesh Raj Soni |
| 104 | (b) Metamorphic rock |
| 105 | (c) Calcium Carbonate |
| 106 | (d) I, II, III, and IV |
| 107 | (c) Babarmal (Udaipur) |
| 108 | (b) Bhaislana (Jaipur) |
| 109 | (d) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
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.