RAS question
Mandana is a traditional art form of Rajasthan. What does it involve?
Correct answer: (C) Floor and wall paintings using geometric patterns.
Mandana is a traditional Rajasthani wall and floor painting art form that uses geometric and floral patterns, typically made with lime and red ochre during festivals and auspicious occasions.
Explanation
Mandana involves painting floors and walls, so option C is correct. The Rajasthan Economic Review identifies Mandana as a traditional wall and floor art practised during rituals, placing it among Rajasthan's recognised art traditions. It is mainly practised by women, especially in the Mewar and Hadoti regions, using lime or chuna and red ochre or geru. Its designs are not random decoration; they are built around geometric and floral patterns and common motifs such as peacock, swastik, lotus and chowk. That is why the answer is floor and wall paintings, not a craft such as carving, casting or puppet making.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Leather puppet making is a separate art form, while the Rajasthan Economic Review identifies Mandana as wall and floor art.
- (B) Wood carving is not Mandana; the official review lists wood works separately from Mandana, which is described as wall and floor art.
- (D) Metal casting belongs to a different craft tradition, whereas Mandana is defined here as painting on floors and walls with ritual use.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan art and culture through the material and surface used in a folk art form. It recurs in RAS because such questions distinguish painting traditions from craft traditions by their medium, motifs and ritual context.