RAS question
Araish is a traditional Rajasthani art technique involving:
Correct answer: (B) Lime fresco painting on wet plaster.
Araish is a traditional Rajasthani wet lime fresco technique in which colours are applied on fresh lime plaster and become permanent as the plaster dries.
Explanation
Araish belongs to Rajasthan's fresco tradition, especially associated with painted walls rather than portable surfaces. The IICD article explains that fresco is an old painting technique in which pigments are painted directly on fresh, wet lime plaster, giving the work durability as the plaster sets. It also states that wet lime plaster fresco work is known by colloquial names including Araish. That is why the answer is lime fresco painting on wet plaster: the technique depends on the wet plaster surface, not on canvas, paper, or a modern print process. The key exam point is that colours applied on wet lime plaster become permanent as it dries.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Oil painting on canvas is a portable surface technique, whereas Araish is identified with wet lime plaster fresco work on walls.
- (C) Digital printing is a modern reproduction process, while Araish is part of the traditional fresco method described for Rajasthan's painted surfaces.
- (D) Watercolour on paper uses a paper support, but Araish depends on applying colours to fresh wet lime plaster.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan art and culture through material technique, not just the name of an art form. RAS often asks such questions because craft terms like Araish are best identified by medium, surface, and method.