RAS question
Marwar (Jodhpur) school of painting is characterized by:
Correct answer: (D) Bold lines, vibrant colors, desert landscape.
The Marwar or Jodhpur school of painting is characterised by bold lines, vibrant colours and desert landscape settings.
Explanation
Marwar painting refers to the Jodhpur style from western Rajasthan, the historic Marwar region that includes much of the Thar desert. The style is marked by bold outlines, strong primary colours, desert landscapes and Dhola-Maru themes. Google Books: Marwar Painting: A History of the Jodhpur Style describes Jodhpur as the Rathor capital where an individual style developed; Mughal-trained artists brought portraiture and composition, but these were combined with local styles and bold colours. That blend explains why the answer is not a single influence or a monochrome scheme: the style is recognised by forceful drawing, bright colour and its Marwar desert setting.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Black-and-white only is wrong because Marwar painting uses strong or bold colours, not a monochrome style.
- (B) Mughal influence only is wrong because Mughal-trained ideas were combined with distinctive local styles and bold colours at Jodhpur.
- (C) Soft colours and feminine beauty do not identify Marwar; soft colours are linked with Kishangarh, while Marwar is marked by bold lines, vibrant colours and desert landscape.
Concept
Rajasthan's regional painting schools are identified through visual markers rather than dynasty names alone. RAS repeats this area because art-and-culture questions often turn on a quick match between school, patronage centre and stylistic features.