Q61. Which classical text was frequently inscribed on the borders or top panels of Ragamala paintings to describe the mood of the Raga/Ragini?
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 61–70 of 109 questions
Q62. Which combination of elements is essential to the thematic composition of a Ragini painting in the Rajput tradition?
Explanation
The thematic composition of a Ragini painting in the Rajput tradition essentially combines a female protagonist with expressions of longing and nature that symbolizes the musical mode. These elements work together to evoke the specific ‘rasa’ or emotional essence of the melody. Unlike chaotic battle scenes or abstract patterns, Ragini paintings focus on the internal emotional state and the romantic atmosphere.
Q63. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Ragamala sets painted in Rajasthan.
Explanation
The statement that the Ragamala painted by Virji in Pali is the earliest known complete set of the Jaipur school is incorrect. While the Pali Ragamala of 1623 is a vital historical work, it belongs to the Marwar school tradition. The other statements correctly identify the timing of the Chawand Ragamala, the significance of Dalu’s Kota set, and the landscape features of Marwar.
Q64. The Blue Pottery art of Jaipur originally has its geographical roots in which region before making its way to India?
Explanation
The Blue Pottery art of Jaipur has its primary geographical roots in Persia, which is modern-day Iran. This glazed pottery technique traveled from Central Asia to India during the medieval period, influenced by the artistic exchanges within the Islamic world. In India, it was further refined and adapted, eventually finding a prestigious home in Jaipur where it became a signature regional craft.
Q65. During whose reign did Blue Pottery reach its pinnacle and become firmly established in Jaipur as a signature craft?
Explanation
Blue Pottery reached its pinnacle and became firmly established as a signature craft in Jaipur during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II in the nineteenth century. He was a great patron of arts who sent local craftsmen to be trained in Delhi and encouraged the development of the School of Art. Under his guidance, the craft received significant royal support and recognition.
Q66. Which of the following renowned artists was awarded the Padma Shri for reviving and introducing new colors into the traditional Blue Pottery of Jaipur?
Explanation
Kripal Singh Shekhawat is the renowned artist who was awarded the Padma Shri for reviving and revolutionizing the traditional Blue Pottery of Jaipur. He is credited with introducing a wide variety of new colors and intricate designs into the craft, which was previously limited to blue and green. His innovation ensured the survival and global popularity of this unique art form.
Q67. Match the ingredients of Blue Pottery in List I with their roles or descriptions in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Ingredient of Blue Pottery | Role/Description |
|---|---|
| A. Quartz powder | i. Provides the characteristic blue color |
| B. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth) | ii. Provides a turquoise or greenish-blue tint |
| C. Cobalt oxide | iii. Forms the main body/base of the dough |
| D. Copper oxide | iv. Acts as a binding agent in the dough |
Explanation
The manufacturing of Blue Pottery involves several specific ingredients. Quartz powder forms the main body or base of the dough, while Multani Mitti acts as a binding agent. Cobalt oxide is responsible for providing the characteristic deep blue color, and copper oxide is used to achieve a turquoise or greenish-blue tint. Together, these materials create the unique texture and appearance.
Q68. Which unique feature distinguishes Jaipur Blue Pottery from most other pottery forms in the world?
Explanation
The most unique feature that distinguishes Jaipur Blue Pottery from almost all other pottery forms worldwide is that it does not use clay in its base dough. Instead, the dough is prepared using a mixture of quartz stone powder, powdered glass, Multani Mitti, borax, gum, and water. This unconventional composition results in a fragile but exquisitely beautiful and semi-transparent product.
Q69. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Blue Pottery of Jaipur.
Explanation
The claim that Blue Pottery items are prepared using a traditional potter’s wheel is incorrect. Unlike standard ceramics, Blue Pottery is created by casting the dough into specialized moulds. This is because the dough lacks the plasticity of natural clay, making it impossible to shape on a wheel. The other statements regarding the glazing technique, traditional motifs, and color expansion are correct.
Q70. Apart from Jaipur, which other place in India is historically famous for a distinct style of blue glazed pottery?
Explanation
Apart from Jaipur, the town of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh is historically famous for a distinct style of blue glazed pottery.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (d) Sangita Ratnakara or poetic couplets describing the Raga |
| 62 | (c) A female protagonist, expressions of longing, and nature symbolizing the musical mode |
| 63 | (a) The Ragamala painted by Virji in Pali is the earliest known complete Ragamala set of the Jaipur school. |
| 64 | (d) Persia (Iran) |
| 65 | (b) Sawai Ram Singh II |
| 66 | (c) Kripal Singh Shekhawat |
| 67 | (d) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 68 | (a) It does not use clay in its base dough. |
| 69 | (b) The pots are prepared using a potter’s wheel rather than being cast in moulds. |
| 70 | (b) Khurja |
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.