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 71–80 of 109 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q71. Consider the following statements regarding the manufacturing process of Blue Pottery: I. The dough is made by mixing quartz, raw glaze, sodium sulphate, and multani mitti. II. The items are sun-dried before being painted. III. The painting is done exclusively after the first firing in the kiln. IV. A final coating of glaze is applied, and the item is fired at high temperature. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The manufacturing process involves making a dough from quartz, glass, and Multani Mitti, followed by sun-drying the shaped items. Crucially, the painting is done on the dried items before any firing occurs. After painting, a final coating of glaze is applied, and the product is fired at a high temperature. Therefore, the claim that painting happens only after firing is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q72. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between Sanganer and Bagru block printing traditions?
Explanation
Sanganer and Bagru are two distinct block printing traditions in Rajasthan. Sanganer prints are known for their fine floral motifs (Bel-Buta) on light or white backgrounds, creating a delicate appearance. In contrast, Bagru printing features bold patterns on dark backgrounds, traditionally achieved using a mud-resist technique and natural dyes. These differences reflect the unique artistic identities and historical practices of each center.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q73. The ‘Syahi-Begar’ technique, utilizing red and black colors derived from alum and iron rust, is the hallmark of which printing style?
Explanation
The ‘Syahi-Begar’ technique is a hallmark of the Bagru printing style. It involves the use of black (Syahi) and red (Begar) colors derived from natural sources like iron rust and alum. This traditional method, combined with wooden block printing, produces the iconic deep-toned patterns that are synonymous with Bagru’s textile heritage, emphasizing the use of eco-friendly and sustainable coloring processes.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q74. In the context of Rajasthan’s block printing, what does the term ‘Chhipa’ refer to?
Explanation
In the context of Rajasthan’s block printing, the term ‘Chhipa’ refers to the traditional community of artisans who are engaged in the craft of printing and dyeing fabric. This community has preserved the intricate techniques of block printing for generations, passing down knowledge of natural dyes and pattern creation. They are central to the textile economy of regions like Sanganer, Bagru, and Barmer.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q75. Read the following statements carefully and select the correct answer from the codes given below. Assertion (A): Bagru prints are ecologically sustainable and traditionally use natural vegetable dyes. Reason (R): Harda (Myrobalan) is used extensively in Bagru printing to give the cloth a yellowish tinge and act as a mordant for other colors to adhere.
Explanation
Bagru prints are celebrated for being ecologically sustainable due to their use of natural vegetable dyes. The extensive use of Harda, or Myrobalan, is a key part of this process; it gives the cloth a characteristic yellowish tinge and serves as a vital mordant. This ensures that subsequent natural colors adhere properly to the fabric, demonstrating the sophisticated traditional knowledge.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q76. Which famous printing style of Rajasthan is characterized by printing on both sides of the fabric, predominantly using blue and red colors with complex geometric patterns?
Explanation
The Azrakh print is a famous style from the Barmer region characterized by intricate geometric patterns printed on both sides of the fabric. It predominantly utilizes blue and red colors derived from indigo and madder. This complex process involves multiple stages of resist-dyeing and printing, resulting in highly durable and culturally significant textiles used by various local communities in the desert.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q77. What is the fundamental purpose of the ‘Dabu’ technique used in Rajasthan’s textile printing, particularly in Akola (Chittorgarh)?
Explanation
The fundamental purpose of the ‘Dabu’ technique is to serve as a mud-resist process in textile printing. A paste made of clay and other natural ingredients is applied to specific areas of the fabric to prevent dye from penetrating them. This allows artisans to create unique patterns where the resisted areas retain their original color while the rest of the fabric is dyed.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q78. The ‘Malir’ print, known for its deep brownish-black and red color scheme on a dark background, belongs to which district of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Malir print is a traditional textile craft belonging to the Barmer district of Rajasthan. It is easily identified by its distinct color scheme, which features deep brownish-black and red tones on a dark background. Like the Azrakh print, Malir utilizes natural dyes and wooden blocks to create patterns that are popular among the local pastoral and nomadic communities of the region.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q79. Consider the following elements: I. Calico printing II. Bel-Buta motifs III. White or off-white base fabric IV. GI (Geographical Indication) tag status Which of the above statement(s) correctly represent the Sanganeri block printing tradition?
Explanation
Sanganeri block printing is characterized by calico printing and the use of delicate Bel-Buta floral motifs. The designs are typically printed on a white or off-white base fabric, giving them a clean and elegant look.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Schools of Painting and Handicrafts
Q80. The art of Tie and Dye (Bandhani) in Rajasthan is most prominently associated with which traditional artisan community?
Explanation
The art of Tie and Dye, known as Bandhani, is most prominently associated with the traditional artisan communities of Rangrez and Chhipa in Rajasthan. While the Chhipas are generally known for block printing, the Rangrez specialize in the complex dyeing processes. Together, these communities have maintained the vibrant Bandhani tradition, which involves tying thousands of tiny knots to create intricate patterns on fabric.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(a) I, II, and IV
72
(c) Sanganer uses light backgrounds with fine floral motifs, while Bagru uses dark backgrounds with bold patterns.
73
(d) Bagru Print
74
(c) Traditional community of artisans engaged in block printing
75
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
76
(d) Azrakh Print
77
(b) Mud-resist process using a paste to prevent dye from penetrating certain areas
78
(c) Barmer
79
(d) I, II, III, and IV
80
(a) Rangrez and Chhipa
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.
