Q81. What is ‘Ekdali’ in the context of the Bandhani textile tradition?
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 81–90 of 109 questions
Q82. The intricate Bandhani pattern known as ‘Shikari’, which depicts human and animal figures engaged in hunting, is a specialty of which region?
Explanation
The intricate Bandhani pattern known as ‘Shikari’ is a specialty of the Kota region. This sophisticated style goes beyond simple dots to depict complex scenes, including human and animal figures engaged in hunting. Creating these figurative patterns through the tie-and-dye method requires extraordinary skill, as each part of the figure must be meticulously tied before the fabric is immersed in dye.
Q83. Match the types of Tie and Dye fabric in List I with their descriptions in List II and select the correct answer from the options given.
| Type of Tie & Dye Fabric | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Chunari | i. Intersecting diagonal lines creating a checkered pattern |
| B. Mothda | ii. Scattered dots, typically worn by women on everyday occasions |
| C. Pomcha | iii. Dots arranged to form square or diamond motifs |
| D. Dhanak | iv. A yellow or pink mantle with a red lotus motif in the center, worn during childbirth |
Explanation
Different Bandhani patterns have unique cultural meanings and appearances. Chunari features scattered dots for everyday wear, while Mothda consists of intersecting diagonal lines. Pomcha is a specific mantle with a lotus motif worn during childbirth. Dhanak refers to dots arranged to form square or diamond motifs. These variations showcase the rich diversity and specific social functions of tie-and-dye textiles in Rajasthan.
Q84. In Rajasthan, the traditional ‘Pomcha’ is worn by women specifically on which occasion?
Explanation
In Rajasthan, the traditional ‘Pomcha’ is a specialized veil worn by women specifically to celebrate the birth of a child. It is a symbol of motherhood and auspiciousness, often gifted by the woman’s paternal family. The color of the Pomcha traditionally indicates the gender of the newborn, making it a culturally significant garment that marks an important life event in the community.
Q85. Which of the following correctly describes the ‘Pila Pomcha’?
Explanation
The ‘Pila Pomcha’ is a yellow veil with a red border and a central lotus motif, traditionally gifted to a mother upon the birth of a male child. The yellow color represents the sun and fertility, while the lotus symbolizes purity. It is one of the most recognizable and culturally cherished textiles in Rajasthan, reflecting the state’s deep-rooted traditions regarding family and celebration.
Q86. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Bandhani craft.
Explanation
The claim that traditional Bandhani uses mostly dull and monochromatic colors is incorrect. On the contrary, Bandhani is famous for its vibrant and bold palette, featuring bright reds, yellows, greens, and blues. These colors are essential to the aesthetic appeal and auspicious nature of the fabric. The other statements regarding the tying process, major centers, and the fineness of dots are accurate.
Q87. Consider the following steps in the Bandhani process:
I. Washing and bleaching the fabric
II. Tying the fabric with thread
III. Tracing the design on the fabric
IV. Dyeing the fabric in the desired color
V. Opening the knots to reveal the pattern
Which of the following represents the correct logical sequence of these operations?
I. Washing and bleaching the fabric
II. Tying the fabric with thread
III. Tracing the design on the fabric
IV. Dyeing the fabric in the desired color
V. Opening the knots to reveal the pattern
Which of the following represents the correct logical sequence of these operations?
Explanation
The logical sequence of the Bandhani process starts with washing and bleaching the fabric to prepare it. Next, the design is traced onto the surface to guide the tyer. The fabric is then tied tightly with thread at specific points. After tying, it is dyed in the desired color. Finally, the knots are opened to reveal the unique dotted pattern underneath.
Q88. Consider the following statements about the Leheriya textile tradition:
I. It is characterized by diagonal wavy stripes.
II. It is created using a specialized resist-dyeing (tie-and-dye) technique.
III. It is traditionally worn by women during the monsoon month of Shravan.
IV. ‘Samudra Lehar’ is a popular type of Leheriya pattern.
V. The craft is primarily concentrated in the Udaipur region, with no presence in Jaipur.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is characterized by diagonal wavy stripes.
II. It is created using a specialized resist-dyeing (tie-and-dye) technique.
III. It is traditionally worn by women during the monsoon month of Shravan.
IV. ‘Samudra Lehar’ is a popular type of Leheriya pattern.
V. The craft is primarily concentrated in the Udaipur region, with no presence in Jaipur.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Leheriya is characterized by diagonal wavy stripes created through a specialized resist-dyeing technique. It is traditionally worn by women during the monsoon month of Shravan to celebrate the rain. Popular patterns include ‘Samudra Lehar’. However, the craft is not exclusive to Udaipur; Jaipur is actually one of the most prominent centers for high-quality Leheriya production, contradicting the fifth statement.
Q89. The term ‘Leheriya’ literally translates to:
Explanation
The term ‘Leheriya’ is derived from the Rajasthani word ‘Leher’, which literally translates to ‘wave’. This name perfectly describes the characteristic visual pattern of the fabric, which consists of rhythmic, wavy diagonal stripes. The design is intended to mimic the ripples of water or the flowing movement of waves, making it a fitting symbol for the monsoon season and the life-giving rain.
Q90. Consider the following variations of tie-and-dye:
I. Mothda
II. Leheriya
III. Ekdali (dot pattern)
Which of the following represents the correct order of these variations based on the complexity of their line patterns, from simple straight lines to intersecting lines?
I. Mothda
II. Leheriya
III. Ekdali (dot pattern)
Which of the following represents the correct order of these variations based on the complexity of their line patterns, from simple straight lines to intersecting lines?
Explanation
Based on the complexity of their patterns, the correct order begins with Ekdali, which consists of simple repeated dots. This is followed by Leheriya, which features parallel diagonal wavy lines. Finally, Mothda represents the most complex of these three, as it involves intersecting diagonal lines that create a checkered or small square effect, requiring a two-step tying and dyeing process.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (b) A pattern consisting of a single dot repeated across the fabric |
| 82 | (c) Kota |
| 83 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 84 | (c) On the occasion of the birth of a child |
| 85 | (d) A yellow veil with a red border, traditionally gifted upon the birth of a male child |
| 86 | (c) The colors used in traditional Bandhani are mostly dull and monochromatic. |
| 87 | (b) I, III, II, IV, V |
| 88 | (b) I, II, III, and IV |
| 89 | (c) Wave-like |
| 90 | (b) III, II, I |
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.