Question

Themes depicted by designs on Chamba Rumal embroideries are :
(A) Ras dances
(B) Ragas and raginis
(C) Krishan leela
(D) Game of chaupad
(E) Gopurams

• A. (A), (B), (C) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B), (D) and (E) only.
• C. (B), (C), (D) and (E) only.
• D. (A), (B), (C) and (E) only.

Hint:

Chamba Rumals reflect Pahari painting themes from North India (Krishna, local games, Pahari ragas). Gopurams are exclusively South Indian temple structures, allowing you to easily eliminate (E).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chamba Rumal is a unique, traditional embroidered handicraft from the Chamba kingdom of Himachal Pradesh.
Often described as "paintings in needlework," these rumals (handkerchiefs) are heavily influenced by the Pahari and Kangra schools of miniature paintings.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the traditional themes depicted on Chamba Rumals:
- (A) Ras dances & (C) Krishna Leela: These are the most common themes.
Scenes depicting Lord Krishna dancing with gopis (Ras Mandala), scenes from the Bhagavata Purana, and stories of Radha and Krishna are central motifs.
- (B) Ragas and Raginis: Pahari miniature paintings frequently depicted musical modes (Ragas) in visual form, which was directly adopted by Chamba embroiderers.
- (D) Game of Chaupad: Scenes showing royal figures or deities playing the traditional cross-board game of chaupad are common.
- (E) Gopurams: This is an incorrect theme.
Gopurams are monumental, highly ornate gateways characteristic of South Indian temple architecture (Dravidian style).
They have no historical or cultural connection to the Pahari miniature art or the Himalayan Chamba culture.
Therefore, the correct combination of themes is (A), (B), (C), and (D).
This matches Option (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The themes depicted on Chamba Rumal are (A), (B), (C) and (D) only.