Social Life: Fairs, Festivals, Customs and Attires: RAS Prelims MCQs
98 RAS Prelims MCQs on social life in Rajasthan test fairs and their months, festivals and their meaning, rituals and traditional dress. Pushkar, Nagaur, Baneshwar, Teej, Gangaur and the Holi traditions are asked with their places, communities and customs, so keep each fair paired with its month, its district and what is traded or worshipped.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 71–80 of 98 questions
| Types of Pagri/Turbans | Associated Princely State/Region |
|---|---|
| A. Chundawat Shahi | i. Jodhpur (Marwar) |
| B. Jaswant Shahi | ii. Jaipur (Dhundhar) |
| C. Rajshahi | iii. Salumbar (Mewar) |
| D. Rathori | iv. Bikaner/Marwar |
Explanation
Chundawat Shahi is the turban of Salumbar in Mewar, Jaswant Shahi of Jodhpur, Rajshahi of Jaipur and Rathori of Bikaner and Marwar. This gives A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv.I. Buktari
II. Achkan
III. Atamsukh
IV. Choga
V. Jama
Which of the above combination of garments represents variations or overgarments similar to the Angrakhi?
Explanation
Buktari, Achkan, Atamsukh, Choga and Jama are all upper garments or overgarments that resemble the Angrakhi.Explanation
In the traditional attire of rural Rajasthan, a ‘Pachheveda’ or ‘Khes’ refers to a thick, hand-woven cotton shawl. It is an essential garment used by men for warmth during the cold winter months. This shawl is typically wrapped around the upper body and serves as a practical and durable piece of clothing, reflecting the agrarian and nomadic lifestyle of the desert region.Explanation
The Dhoti is a staple garment for men in Rajasthan, consisting of a continuous piece of unstitched cloth. It is wrapped around the waist and legs in styles that vary by region and caste. Crucially, a traditional Dhoti does not feature pockets or buttons, as it is entirely unstitched. It is most commonly paired with an Angrakhi or a simple kurta in rural areas.Explanation
Traditional Rajasthani headgear varies in form and nomenclature. A Pagri is typically a long and narrow piece of cloth that requires intricate winding and is often pre-tied. In contrast, a Safa is broader and shorter, generally tied more quickly and loosely. Both serve as essential cultural symbols and indicators of social status, regional identity, and the specific occasion being celebrated by the wearer.Statement I: In Rajasthan, a ‘Mothda’ turban is typically worn during weddings, while a ‘Madil’ turban is worn during Dussehra.
Statement II: A white turban in Rajasthani culture is universally a symbol of immense joy and celebration.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
In Rajasthan, specific turbans are worn for different occasions; the Mothda is typical for weddings, while the Madil is associated with Dussehra. However, the claim that a white turban universally signifies joy is incorrect. In many Rajasthani communities, a white turban is traditionally a symbol of mourning, while vibrant and multi-colored turbans are reserved for festivals, weddings, and other auspicious social celebrations.I. Pila
II. Pomcha
III. Chunari
Which of the above combination correctly identifies garments that are primarily dyed using the tie-and-dye (Bandhej) technique?
Explanation
Traditional Rajasthani veils or Odhnis, such as the Pila, Pomcha, and Chunari, are all primarily dyed using the famous tie-and-dye (Bandhej) technique. This intricate process involves tying small sections of the fabric before dipping it in vibrant dyes, creating beautiful patterns. These garments are essential parts of women’s attire and carry significant cultural and symbolic meanings for various social occasions and rituals.Explanation
In the traditional attire of Rajasthani women, the ‘Kanchali’ and ‘Kurti’ serve distinct purposes. The Kanchali is a tight-fitting inner bodice, often with sleeves, worn directly against the body. The Kurti is a sleeveless garment that is worn over the Kanchali. Together, these two pieces form the upper attire, typically paired with a voluminous skirt (Ghagra) and a veil (Odhni).| Tribal Women’s Attire | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. Tarabhant ki Odhni | i. Odhni featuring mango motifs |
| B. Jwarbhant ki Odhni | ii. Odhni featuring star motifs |
| C. Carrybhant ki Odhni | iii. Thick unstitched cloth used as a lower garment (skirt) by Adivasi women |
| D. Nanda | iv. Odhni featuring jowar (sorghum) grain motifs |
Explanation
Traditional attire for tribal women in Rajasthan features distinct patterns. Tarabhant ki Odhni is recognized by its star motifs, while Jwarbhant ki Odhni displays motifs resembling jowar grains. Carrybhant ki Odhni is characterized by mango designs. Additionally, the Nanda is a specific type of thick, unstitched cloth used as a lower garment or skirt by various Adivasi communities in the southern regions.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (b) Pagri Angrakhi Kamarband Dhoti |
| 72 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 73 | (d) I, II, III, IV, and V |
| 74 | (b) A thick cotton shawl wrapped around the upper body during the winter |
| 75 | (c) A standard traditional Dhoti is always tailored with pockets and buttons. |
| 76 | (d) A Pagri is longer and narrower, whereas a Safa is broader and shorter |
| 77 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 78 | (b) I, II, and III |
| 79 | (a) Kanchali is an inner bodice, while Kurti is a garment worn over it |
| 80 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
Key facts from Social Life: Fairs, Festivals, Customs and Attires
- The Pushkar Fair is held in the month of Kartik around Purnima, with a holy bath in Pushkar Lake.
- The Ramdev Cattle Fair of Nagaur is famous for Nagauri bullocks.
- The Baneshwar fair, a Bhil tribal fair, reaches its peak on Magh Purnima.
- The Elephant Festival of Jaipur is held on the eve of Holi; the Desert Festival is held at Jaisalmer.
- Kajli Teej is famous at Bundi; Teej heralds the monsoon.
- Mosar or Nukta is the feast held on the twelfth day after a death.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Social Life: Fairs, Festivals, Customs and Attires?
This page has 98 practice MCQs on Social Life: Fairs, Festivals, Customs and Attires (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
In which month is the Pushkar Fair held?
In the Hindu month of Kartik, around the full moon. Pilgrims bathe in the holy Pushkar Lake during Purnima, and the fair is also a large cattle and camel trading event that draws visitors from across India and abroad.
Where is the Desert Festival held?
At Jaisalmer, where it is organised every year by the Rajasthan tourism department. The festival showcases folk music, dance and crafts of the desert region and is meant to promote the cultural heritage and tourism of the area.
What is Deepdan?
Deepdan is the tradition of offering lamps in water, and in Rajasthan it is most strongly associated with the lakes of Pushkar and Kolayat. Devotees float lamps in the lakes as an act of worship, especially on the full-moon night of Kartik.