Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 14
Rajasthan GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 131–140 of 140
The 'Pacheesi' game board traditionally carved in Rajasthani palaces is related to which modern game?
Correct Answer: B. Ludo
Pacheesi is an ancient Indian board game from which the modern game of Ludo is derived. In Rajasthani palaces, the Pacheesi board was often carved into the marble floor of courtyards. The Fatehpur Sikri palace and many Rajasthani forts feature giant-sized Pacheesi boards where servants acted as living game pieces.
The 'Hawa Mahal' of Jaipur was built by which ruler and in which year?
Correct Answer: B. Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799
The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It was designed by architect Lal Chand Ustad in the form of Lord Krishna's crown. The five-storied structure has 953 small windows (jharokhas) designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals without being seen.
The 'Padharo Mhare Des' phrase, often associated with Rajasthani hospitality, literally means?
Correct Answer: B. Welcome to my land
Padharo Mhare Des literally translates to 'Welcome to my land/country' in Rajasthani (Marwari dialect). It is part of the famous folk song 'Kesariya Balam Aavo Ni Padharo Mhare Des.' This phrase embodies the legendary hospitality (atithi devo bhava) tradition of Rajasthan.
The 'Bhopa' community in Rajasthan serves as what in the Phad painting tradition?
Correct Answer: B. Traveling priest-narrators who perform the stories
The Bhopa are traveling priest-narrators who carry the Phad scroll from village to village, narrating the heroic tales of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan. They use the Rawanhatha instrument to accompany their narration while their wife (Bhopi) holds a lamp to illuminate different parts of the scroll. This is one of the oldest forms of mobile storytelling in the world.
The 'Bundi' school of painting flourished primarily during which century?
Correct Answer: B. 17th century
The Bundi school of painting primarily flourished during the 17th century under the patronage of the Hada Chauhan rulers of Bundi. The school reached its peak during the reign of Rao Chattar Sal (1631-1659) and Rao Bhao Singh. Its distinctive style influenced the neighboring Kota school of painting.
The 'Kalbeliya' community, whose dance received UNESCO recognition, traditionally practiced which occupation?
Correct Answer: B. Snake charming
The Kalbeliya community (also called Sapera) traditionally practiced snake charming as their hereditary occupation. After the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 banned snake charming, many turned to performing their traditional dance as a livelihood. Their deep knowledge of snakes and herbal remedies remains part of their cultural identity.
The 'Sagdi/Saga' ceremony in Rajasthani tradition is performed during which life event?
Correct Answer: B. Death/mourning
Saga (or Sagdi) is a death/mourning ceremony in Rajasthani tradition held on the fourth day after a person's death. Family and community members gather to offer condolences, and charitable donations are made in the name of the deceased. It is an important social ritual observed across communities in Rajasthan.
The 'Chhatri' structures seen across Rajasthan are?
Correct Answer: B. Cenotaphs/memorial structures with domed canopies
Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped cenotaphs or memorial structures built on the cremation spots of Rajput rulers and nobles. Famous examples include the Royal Chhatris at Jaipur (Gaitor), Jodhpur, and Bikaner. The word 'Chhatri' means 'canopy/umbrella' and these structures are an important feature of Rajasthani architecture.
The 'Sandstone carving' tradition of Rajasthan reached its finest form in which golden city?
Correct Answer: B. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, known as the 'Golden City' due to its yellow sandstone architecture, is famous for the finest sandstone carving tradition. The Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, and Nathmal ki Haveli showcase extraordinary stone carving craftsmanship. The artisans can carve the yellow sandstone to create delicate jali (lattice) work that resembles lacework.
The 'Summer Festival' of Rajasthan is held at which hill station?
Correct Answer: B. Mount Abu
The Summer Festival is held annually in Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan, during the month of May-June. The three-day festival features folk music, dance performances, boat races on Nakki Lake, and IGNCA cultural programs. It provides a cultural escape from the scorching summer heat of the plains.