Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 13
Rajasthan GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 121–130 of 140
The 'Rathore' rulers who patronized the Marwar School of painting belonged to which capital city?
Correct Answer: C. Jodhpur
The Rathore rulers of Jodhpur (capital of Marwar) patronized the Marwar School of painting. Notable patrons included Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Man Singh. The school produced distinctive paintings featuring court scenes, equestrian portraits, Ragamala illustrations, and scenes from the Dhola-Maru love legend.
The 'Bajot' in Rajasthani handicrafts refers to what?
Correct Answer: B. A low wooden stool/table
A Bajot is a low wooden stool or small table traditionally used in Rajasthani homes for sitting, placing religious items, or serving food. It is often intricately carved and painted with traditional motifs. Bajots made in Jodhpur and Barmer with lacquer work or carved designs are popular handicraft items.
The 'Chitra Vichitra' fair of Rajasthan is associated with which tribal group?
Correct Answer: B. Bhil and Garasia tribes
The Chitra Vichitra fair is held in the tribal belt of southern Rajasthan and is attended mainly by Bhil and Garasia tribal communities. It serves as a social gathering where young men and women choose their life partners. The fair features traditional tribal music, dance, and colorful costumes.
The 'Marble Jali' (lattice screen) work of Rajasthan reached its finest expression in which monument?
Correct Answer: D. Ranakpur Jain Temple
The correct answer is Ranakpur Jain Temple. While marble jali work is seen in many Rajasthani monuments, the Ranakpur Jain Temple features some of the finest marble lattice screen work, especially in its 1444 uniquely carved pillars and intricate window screens. The geometric precision and delicacy of the marble carving at Ranakpur is considered unmatched in Indian temple architecture. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which traditional Rajasthani food item is specifically prepared during the Gangaur festival?
Correct Answer: D. Gheriya and Ghevar
During the Gangaur festival, women prepare special sweets and dishes including Gheriya (small flour balls) and Ghevar. These are offered to Goddess Gauri as prasad and then distributed among family members. The preparation of these festival-specific foods is an important ritual of the 18-day Gangaur celebrations.
The 'Baoris' or 'Bavdis' of Rajasthan are?
Correct Answer: B. Stepwells for water conservation
Baoris or Bavdis are stepwells, traditional water conservation structures of Rajasthan built to access groundwater. These architectural marvels feature elaborately carved steps descending to the water level. Famous examples include Chand Baori (Abhaneri), Raniji ki Baori (Bundi), and Panna Meena ka Kund (Amer).
The 'Matka Peer' shrine in Rajasthan is associated with which syncretic religious tradition?
Correct Answer: B. Hindu-Muslim
Matka Peer (Pot Saint) shrines are found at various places in Rajasthan and represent the syncretic Hindu-Muslim religious tradition. Devotees of both faiths offer earthen pots (matkas) at these shrines. This tradition reflects the cultural harmony and shared folk religion that characterizes Rajasthani society.
The 'Nakkashi' work of Rajasthan involves decoration using which technique?
Correct Answer: B. Carving and engraving on wood/stone
Nakkashi refers to the traditional art of carving and engraving intricate patterns on wood, stone, and other materials. In Rajasthan, Nakkashi work is seen on doors, windows, pillars, and furniture. The artisans (Nakkash) create elaborate designs of flowers, geometric patterns, and mythological figures.
The 'Swang' or 'Tamasha' tradition of Rajasthan refers to which art form?
Correct Answer: B. Folk drama/theater
Swang (also called Tamasha or Nautanki) is a traditional folk drama/theater form of Rajasthan performed by travelling groups. It combines dialogue, music, dance, and comedy to narrate stories from mythology, history, and folklore. The performances often take place on temporary stages during fairs and festivals.
The 'Jantar Mantar' observatory at Jaipur was built by which ruler for astronomical studies?
Correct Answer: B. Sawai Jai Singh II
The Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1728 and 1734. It contains the world's largest stone sundial (Samrat Yantra) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jai Singh built five such observatories across India (Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura).