RAS question
Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur was designed by which famous architect?
Correct answer: (D) Charles Correa.
Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur was designed by renowned architect Charles Correa around the Navagraha, or nine-planet, concept.
Explanation
Jawahar Kala Kendra is a leading centre for multiple arts in Jaipur. The Government of Rajasthan established it to preserve Rajasthani art and culture. Charles Correa planned it around the Navagraha, or nine-planet, concept, reflecting Vidyadhar Bhattacharya's original city plan for Jaipur. Opened in 1993, JKK is a broad cultural venue rather than a single museum. Its spaces include galleries, theatres, studios, an amphitheatre, an auditorium, a library, a cafeteria and Shilpgram. The combination of its architect, mandala-based plan and purpose as a home for multiple arts makes it a recurring Rajasthan art-and-culture fact for RAS.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Edwin Lutyens is associated with the planning and architecture of New Delhi, whereas Charles Correa designed Jawahar Kala Kendra.
- (B) Balkrishna Doshi designed institutions such as IIM Bangalore, whereas Charles Correa designed Jawahar Kala Kendra.
- (C) Le Corbusier is associated with Chandigarh's modern planning and architecture, whereas Charles Correa designed Jawahar Kala Kendra.
Concept
This question tests knowledge of Rajasthan's modern cultural institutions and the architects of major public cultural spaces. For RAS, Jawahar Kala Kendra links art and architecture with Jaipur's planning tradition and the state's role in preserving culture.