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PYQ Pattern Analysis

Art & Culture: Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Handicrafts, Architecture, Monuments

Paper I · Unit 1 Section 10 of 15 0 PYQs 49 min
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PYQ Pattern Analysis

Questions Asked

  • RPSC Mains 2013 (2 marks): "Write the special features of Nathdwara paintings."
  • RPSC Mains 2016, Paper I (5 marks): "Discuss the salient features of the Fort architecture in Rajasthan."
  • RPSC Mains 2016, Paper I (5 marks): "Highlight the similarities and differences between the Bundi and Kishangarh schools of painting."
  • RPSC Mains 2018, Paper I (5 marks): "Describe the sculpture art in Rajasthan."
  • RPSC Mains 2021, Paper I (10 marks): "Describe the architectural features of Rajasthan's Jain temples."
  • RPSC Mains 2023, Paper I (10 marks): "Give brief account of Sun temples of Rajasthan."
  • RPSC Mains 2024, Paper I (5 marks): "Comment on Samrat Yantra of Jantar Mantar, Jaipur."

What RPSC Tests

Sub-topic Coverage Across 7 Questions

  • Fort architecture: 1 question (2016, 5m) — general features; no single fort in-depth yet
  • Jain temple architecture: 1 question (2021, 10m) — Dilwara and Ranakpur both implied
  • Sun temples: 1 question (2023, 10m) — Osiyan and Jhalarapatan are the core answer
  • Miniature painting: 2 questions — Nathdwara (2013, 2m) and Bundi-Kishangarh comparison (2016, 5m)
  • Astronomy/monuments: 1 question (2024, 5m) — Samrat Yantra specifically
  • Sculpture: 1 question (2018, 5m) — "sculpture art in Rajasthan" broadly

RPSC Testing Pattern

  • Both factual recall (Nathdwara features, Samrat Yantra mechanics) and analytical comparison (Bundi vs. Kishangarh) appear
  • 10-mark questions favour "describe architectural features" — need specific names, periods, and stylistic analysis
  • No question yet on handicrafts, performing arts, or stepwells — the 2026 revised syllabus explicitly lists these as likely new test zones

Frequency and Trend

  • Appearances: 5 out of 5 recent exams (2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023/2024)
  • Trend: Stable and high — this topic is a guaranteed element in every exam paper
  • Marks range: 2 marks (2013) to 10 marks (2021, 2023); usually 5 marks; can deliver 10-mark questions

2026 Prediction

Based on PYQ analysis and the 2026 revised syllabus:

  1. 10-mark Q (most likely): Jain temples already asked (2021). Next likely: Rajput palace architecture (havelis, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal) or a comparative painting schools question (Mewar vs. Bundi, or Bikaner vs. Marwar)

  2. 5-mark Q (very likely): Handicrafts never tested despite decades in the syllabus. Strong candidates:

    • Blue Pottery (unique process)
    • Thewa jewellery (unique technique)
    • Kota Doria (unique weave)
    • Chand Baori, or Ghoomar/Kalbelia (UNESCO ICH status)

  3. 5-mark factual Q: Following the 2024 Samrat Yantra pattern, a specific monument feature — Vijay Stambha, Dilwara ceiling medallions, or Amber Fort's Sheesh Mahal — is a plausible next target