RAS question
Which Rajasthani textile involves creating patterns by tying and dyeing using thousands of tiny knots?
Correct answer: (A) Bandhej (Bandhani).
Bandhej, also known as Bandhani, is the Rajasthani tie-and-dye textile in which thousands of tiny knots resist the dye and create intricate dotted patterns.
Explanation
Bandhej or Bandhani is the right answer because the technique depends on tying tiny knots on fabric before dyeing it. Each knot resists the dye, leaving a dotted pattern after colour is applied, and skilled craftspeople may tie 5,000-6,000 knots in a day. Rajasthan Tourism's textile section supports the core identification: it lists tie-and-dye prints among Rajasthan's major fabric arts and says these prints are also known as Bandhani, created with natural colours and a wide variety of patterns. The question's clue of patterns made through tying and dyeing, especially through many small knots, points to Bandhej or Bandhani.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Ajrakh is a block-printing technique, so it does not fit a question asking for patterns made by tying thousands of tiny knots before dyeing.
- (C) Leheriya is associated with flowing wave-like patterns and diagonal tie-dye, but the tiny-knot dotted technique described in the question is Bandhej or Bandhani.
- (D) Patola is identified as a double-ikat weaving from Gujarat, whereas the question asks for a Rajasthani tie-and-dye textile made with many small knots.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's traditional textile crafts, especially the difference between tie-dye, block printing and weaving traditions. It recurs in RAS because art-and-culture questions often hinge on matching a craft to its technique, motif and region.