According to Twitter Bootstrap documentation the answers to your questions are as follows:
In bootstrap is it mandatory to use the "row" class to wrap the columns?
Columns create gutters (gaps between column content) via padding. That padding is offset in rows for the first and last column via negative margin on .rows.
That is, all columns have a "span" between them that is defined by padding
and is fixed in .row
with negative margins. Then it is not required but there will be no correction of the padding
of the columns.
Can I have more than 12 columns within the same "row" class?
If more than 12 columns are placed within a single row, each group of extra columns will, as one unit, wrap onto a new line.
That is, yes, it can. The surplus columns will fall to the next line.
EDIT
Tutorial on Bootstrap 3 grids suggested by @ RenilsonAndrade.