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 21–30 of 109 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q21. Consider the following features: I. Frequent depiction of mango trees II. Characters shown with high turbans and robust physique III. Use of prominent red and yellow colors IV. Paintings often depict hunting scenes in dense forests V. Heavy influence of the Vallabha sect in later stages Which of the above statement(s) correctly describe the Jodhpur sub-school of Marwar painting?
Explanation
The Jodhpur sub-school is characterized by the frequent depiction of mango trees in landscape backgrounds. Characters are often portrayed with high turbans and robust physiques, reflecting the local martial culture. Additionally, the palette is dominated by prominent red and yellow colors, which provide a vibrant energy to the paintings. While later stages saw sectarian influences, these specific features remain core to its identification.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q22. The famous miniature painting ‘Mumal’ is associated with which distinct style of the Marwar school?
Explanation
The famous miniature painting ‘Mumal’ is intrinsically associated with the Jaisalmer style of the Marwar school. It depicts the legendary beauty of Mumal, a princess of Lodruva, and is a classic example of the regional folk themes that remained largely untouched by external influences. The style is noted for its simplicity and the use of local colors, reflecting the cultural isolation of the desert kingdom.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q23. Which ruler’s reign is considered the golden age of the Bikaner style of painting, during which artists like Ruknuddin flourished?
Explanation
The reign of Maharaja Anup Singh is widely considered the golden age of the Bikaner style of painting. During this period, the school achieved great refinement through the work of master artists like Ruknuddin. His patronage encouraged the blending of Mughal technical precision with Rajasthani themes, resulting in high-quality miniatures and the development of unique traditions like the Usta and Mathern art forms.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q24. Select the correct order of the evolution of the Hadoti school of painting from its early forms to its specialized sub-schools.
Explanation
The Hadoti school of painting followed a specific evolutionary path starting with the Bundi style. The Bundi school emerged first and served as the parent style from which the Kota style branched out in the seventeenth century. Much later, the Jhalawar style developed as a distinct variation, completing the regional group. This progression reflects the political shifts and administrative divisions within the Hada kingdoms.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q25. The Bundi school of painting is most renowned for its exceptional depiction of:
Explanation
The Bundi school of painting is internationally renowned for its exceptional and lyrical depiction of nature.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q26. Identify the most appropriate reason why the Kota school of painting is distinctively remembered in art history.
Explanation
The Kota school of painting is distinctively remembered for its dynamic and extensive portrayal of hunting or Shikar scenes. Unlike other schools where hunting was a secondary theme, Kota artists made it a central subject, depicting the thrill of the chase in dense forests. These paintings are noted for their energy, large scale, and the realistic representation of wild animals and rugged terrain.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q27. Read the following statements carefully and select the correct answer from the codes given below. Assertion (A): The Kota school of painting frequently depicts women, including queens and court ladies, engaged in hunting expeditions. Reason (R): The rulers of Kota successfully eliminated the purdah system and mandated military training for all women in the kingdom.
Explanation
The Kota school is unique for depicting women, including queens and court ladies, actively participating in hunting expeditions. This artistic choice reflects the social reality and the specific cultural atmosphere of the Kota court. However, this did not stem from a mandated military training or a formal elimination of the purdah system by the rulers, as those social structures remained largely intact during that era.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q28. The Chitrashala (Ummed Mahal), famous for its magnificent wall paintings showing the zenith of the Bundi style, was built by which ruler?
Explanation
Maharao Ummed Singh is credited with building the Chitrashala, also known as the Ummed Mahal, in Bundi. This gallery is world-famous for its magnificent wall paintings that represent the zenith of the Bundi style. The frescoes depict a wide range of themes, including religious narratives, royal processions, and scenes from everyday life, showcasing the exquisite detail and vibrant colors characteristic of the school.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q29. Which pair of birds and animals is most characteristically associated with the background scenery of the Bundi school of painting?
Explanation
The Peacock and the Elephant are the most characteristically associated animals in the background scenery of the Bundi school of painting. Peacocks are often shown perched on trees or dancing in the rain, symbolizing beauty and the monsoon season. Elephants are frequently depicted in courtly processions or as powerful symbols of royalty, reflecting the natural and majestic environment surrounding the Bundi kingdom.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q30. Which of the following colors is used predominantly as the background color in the Bundi school of painting?
Explanation
Lush green is the predominant background color used in the Bundi school of painting. This choice reflects the school’s deep connection with nature and its focus on depicting the dense vegetation of the region. The vibrant green tones provide a beautiful contrast to the bright reds and yellows used for figures and architecture, creating the rich and immersive atmosphere typical of Bundi miniatures.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
21
(b) I, II, and III
22
(d) Jaisalmer style
23
(a) Maharaja Anup Singh
24
(b) Bundi style emerges first, from which Kota style branches out, followed later by Jhalawar style.
25
(a) Nature, rain, clouds, and lush vegetation
26
(d) For its dynamic and extensive portrayal of hunting (Shikar) scenes
27
(c) A is true but R is false.
28
(c) Maharao Ummed Singh
29
(d) Peacock and Elephant
30
(a) Lush Green
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.
