Q31. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Hadoti School of 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 31–40 of 109 questions
Q32. The Amber-Jaipur school of painting is noted for having the highest degree of which external influence?
Explanation
The Amber-Jaipur school of painting is noted for having the highest degree of Mughal influence among the various Rajput schools. This is largely due to the early and enduring political and matrimonial alliances between the Kachwaha rulers and the Mughal emperors. Consequently, the school adopted several Mughal techniques, including realistic portraiture, refined brushwork, and the depiction of secular courtly life and attire.
Q33. Consider the following rulers of Jaipur and their contributions to the development of the Jaipur School of Painting:
I. Sawai Jai Singh II (establishment of Suratkhana)
II. Sawai Pratap Singh (golden era of painting)
III. Sawai Ram Singh II (introduction of photography and new arts)
IV. Sawai Ishwari Singh (life-size portraits begun)
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their contributions?
I. Sawai Jai Singh II (establishment of Suratkhana)
II. Sawai Pratap Singh (golden era of painting)
III. Sawai Ram Singh II (introduction of photography and new arts)
IV. Sawai Ishwari Singh (life-size portraits begun)
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their contributions?
Explanation
The development of the Jaipur school followed a chronological path starting with Sawai Jai Singh II, who established the Suratkhana. He was followed by Sawai Ishwari Singh, under whom life-size portraits began. Sawai Pratap Singh’s reign then marked the golden era of the school with numerous manuscripts and artworks. Finally, Sawai Ram Singh II introduced modern elements like photography and new artistic techniques.
Q34. Match the artists of the Jaipur School in List I with their specialty or work in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Artist of Jaipur School | Specialty/Work |
|---|---|
| A. Sahibram | i. Miniatures of the Gita Govinda |
| B. Muhammad Shah | ii. Life-size portrait of Sawai Ishwari Singh |
| C. Shaligram | iii. Portraits and court scenes |
| D. Ramjidas | iv. Painting of Radha-Krishna themes |
Explanation
The Jaipur school featured several master artists with specialized roles. Sahibram was famous for creating life-size portraits, such as the one of Sawai Ishwari Singh.
Q35. Consider the following statements regarding the features of the Jaipur School of Painting:
I. It heavily features a large, decorated border around the main painting.
II. Depiction of men with clean-shaven faces or trimmed beards reflects Mughal influence.
III. Peepal and Banyan trees are the most commonly depicted flora.
IV. The use of natural green and gold colors is highly prevalent.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It heavily features a large, decorated border around the main painting.
II. Depiction of men with clean-shaven faces or trimmed beards reflects Mughal influence.
III. Peepal and Banyan trees are the most commonly depicted flora.
IV. The use of natural green and gold colors is highly prevalent.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Jaipur School is characterized by large, decorated borders around the main paintings and the use of natural green and gold colors. The depiction of men with clean-shaven faces or trimmed beards clearly reflects the strong Mughal influence on the region. While flora is depicted, the Peepal and Banyan trees are not the exclusive or most characteristic markers compared to these features.
Q36. The exquisite frescoes of the Pundrik Haveli are a magnificent example of which painting style?
Explanation
The exquisite frescoes of the Pundrik Haveli are a magnificent example of the Jaipur painting style. These wall paintings showcase the technical brilliance and aesthetic preferences of the Jaipur school, featuring refined figures, intricate patterns, and a sophisticated color palette. Such havelis in the old city serve as important galleries for understanding the evolution of domestic and architectural art in the region.
Q37. Find the odd one out among the following sub-schools based on their primary categorization under the major Rajput schools of painting.
Explanation
Among the given sub-schools, Devgarh is the odd one out because it belongs to the Mewar school of painting. In contrast, Alwar, Uniara, and Shekhawati are all sub-schools or regional variations classified under the broader Dhundhar or Jaipur school of painting. This categorization is based on their historical and geographical links to the respective major princely states of Udaipur and Jaipur.
Q38. The Alwar sub-school of painting is particularly famous for which unique type of illustration?
Explanation
The Alwar sub-school of painting is particularly famous for its unique and delicate illustrations on ivory plates. This refined art form involved painting miniature scenes and portraits on thin sheets of ivory, requiring immense skill and precision. The Alwar artists achieved great fame for this specialized technique, which became a distinctive marker of their school during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Q39. Consider the following characteristics regarding a painting style:
I. Blending of Jaipur and Bundi styles
II. Famous artists include Mir Bakhsh, Kashi, and Ram Lakhan
III. Developed under the patronage of Rao Raja Sardar Singh
IV. Depicts horses and elephants with distinct local features
V. Often features scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata
Which of the above statement(s) correctly identify the Uniara style of painting?
I. Blending of Jaipur and Bundi styles
II. Famous artists include Mir Bakhsh, Kashi, and Ram Lakhan
III. Developed under the patronage of Rao Raja Sardar Singh
IV. Depicts horses and elephants with distinct local features
V. Often features scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata
Which of the above statement(s) correctly identify the Uniara style of painting?
Explanation
The Uniara style of painting is identified by its blending of the Jaipur and Bundi styles, reflecting its geographic position. Famous artists associated with this sub-school include Mir Bakhsh, Kashi, and Ram Lakhan. The themes often revolve around religious narratives like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. While it developed under local patronage, the most defining features are its stylistic synthesis and specific artists.
Q40. The Kishangarh school of painting reached its pinnacle under the patronage of which ruler, who also composed poetry under the pen name ‘Nagari Das’?
Explanation
The Kishangarh school of painting reached its absolute pinnacle under the patronage of Raja Savant Singh. He was a deeply religious ruler and a poet who wrote under the pen name ‘Nagari Das’. His devotion to Lord Krishna and his romantic relationship with the singer-poetess Bani Thani inspired some of the most beautiful and iconic works in the history of Indian miniature art.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (b) The Kota style reached its highest artistic level during the reign of Maharao Ram Singh I. |
| 32 | (b) Mughal School |
| 33 | (a) I, IV, II, III |
| 34 | (c) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 35 | (d) I, II, and IV |
| 36 | (c) Jaipur style |
| 37 | (b) Devgarh |
| 38 | (d) Paintings on ivory plates |
| 39 | (a) I, II, and V only |
| 40 | (c) Raja Savant Singh |
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.