RAS question
The terracotta art of Rajasthan is known as:
Correct answer: (A) Molela Art.
Rajasthan's terracotta art is known as Molela Art, the votive terracotta murti and plaque-making tradition of Molela near Nathdwara in Rajsamand.
Explanation
Molela Art is the correct identification because Molela, near Nathdwara in Rajsamand, is known for terracotta craft. The official Handmade in Rajasthan page describes Mollela as murtikala: the art of making votive murtis or idols of gods with terracotta in Molela, Rajasthan. The Kumhar or potter community creates terracotta plaques depicting folk deities, especially for tribal worship. These votive tablets are installed in village shrines. Handmade in Rajasthan notes that the murtis are often mounted on tiles or plaques and hung from the walls of temples and homes. Rajasthan's terracotta votive murti and plaque tradition points to Molela Art, not to Rajasthan's other craft traditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Thewa Art is not terracotta work; it is a gold-glass craft tradition rather than Rajasthan's clay-based terracotta tradition.
- (C) Usta Art does not match the terracotta plaque tradition of Molela, because Usta is gold painting on camel hide.
- (D) Pichwai Art is a cloth-painting tradition, so it is outside the terracotta votive murti and plaque craft described for Molela.
Concept
Rajasthan's regional handicrafts are closely associated with specific materials, communities and places. RAS art-and-culture questions often distinguish similar named crafts by material, community and place.