Q1. What primarily defines the prehistoric period in the context of Rajasthan’s history?
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Q2. Which of the following sites represents the northernmost extent of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Explanation
Manda, located in the Jammu and Kashmir region along the Chenab River, marks the northernmost boundary of the mature Indus Valley Civilisation. Its geographical position illustrates the vast territorial spread of this ancient urban culture. Other boundaries include Sutkagen Dor in the west, Alamgirpur in the east, and Daimabad to the far south of the central core.
Q3. Which of the following criteria is most commonly used by archaeologists to periodize prehistoric cultures in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Archaeologists primarily categorize prehistoric periods based on technological progress in tool manufacturing. In Rajasthan, this involves tracking the transition from large stone tools to microliths and eventually to copper implements. These material changes reflect shifts in human subsistence, social organization, and cognitive abilities, providing a reliable framework for dating various cultural phases across the different geographical regions of the state.
Q4. Match the archaeologists in List I with their associated Harappan sites in List II and select the correct answer.
| Archaeologist | Associated Harappan Site |
|---|---|
| A. Daya Ram Sahni | i. Mohenjo-daro |
| B. R. D. Banerji | ii. Lothal |
| C. Amalananda Ghosh | iii. Harappa |
| D. S. R. Rao | iv. Kalibangan |
Explanation
Archaeological research in the Indus Valley was led by pioneers like Daya Ram Sahni, who excavated Harappa in 1921. R. D. Banerji discovered Mohenjo-daro in 1922. Amalananda Ghosh identified the site of Kalibangan in Rajasthan, while S. R. Rao discovered Lothal in Gujarat. These excavations systematically revealed the advanced urban characteristics and cultural uniformity of this civilization.
Q5. Which prominent archaeologist extensively excavated the prehistoric sites of Didwana and Bagor in Rajasthan?
Explanation
V.N. Misra played a pivotal role in uncovering Rajasthan’s prehistory through his systematic excavations at key sites. His work at Bagor provided groundbreaking evidence of early animal domestication and microlithic traditions. Similarly, his investigations at Didwana helped establish a long chronological sequence of human occupation in the Thar desert, significantly advancing the understanding of Palaeolithic environments and ancient human adaptations.
Q6. Which of the following statements accurately describes the drainage system of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Explanation
The Harappan urban planning was characterized by an exceptionally advanced and systematic drainage network. Almost every household featured its own courtyard and a dedicated bathroom. These private facilities were connected to a larger network of street drains. These drains were typically covered with bricks or stone slabs to maintain hygiene and were regularly cleaned by municipal workers.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the geographical divisions of Rajasthan and their prehistoric relevance:
I. The Aravalli range provided abundant raw stone materials for Palaeolithic humans.
II. The western desert region of Thar shows an absolute absence of any prehistoric human habitation.
III. The river basins of southeastern Rajasthan nurtured early Chalcolithic farming communities.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Aravalli range provided abundant raw stone materials for Palaeolithic humans.
II. The western desert region of Thar shows an absolute absence of any prehistoric human habitation.
III. The river basins of southeastern Rajasthan nurtured early Chalcolithic farming communities.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Aravalli range was essential for early humans as it offered abundant quartzite for tool production. While the Thar desert was once thought to be uninhabited, archaeological evidence confirms prehistoric habitation during wetter periods. Meanwhile, the fertile river basins in southeastern Rajasthan became crucial hubs for Chalcolithic farming communities, supporting settled life through reliable water and fertile soil resources for agriculture.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding the Kalibangan site of the Indus Valley Civilisation:
I. It is located on the banks of the Ghaggar river in Rajasthan.
II. Evidence of a ploughed field was discovered outside the fort wall.
III. A dockyard similar to the one at Lothal was excavated here.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
I. It is located on the banks of the Ghaggar river in Rajasthan.
II. Evidence of a ploughed field was discovered outside the fort wall.
III. A dockyard similar to the one at Lothal was excavated here.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
Explanation
Kalibangan, situated in Rajasthan on the banks of the Ghaggar River, provides critical evidence of early agricultural techniques. Excavations revealed a ploughed field surface with intersecting furrows, suggesting the cultivation of multiple crops simultaneously. Unlike Lothal, which featured a famous maritime dockyard, Kalibangan lacks such a structure, focusing more on agricultural and domestic ritual activities throughout its history.
Q9. In which of the following modern districts of Rajasthan is the Lower Palaeolithic site of Didwana located?
Explanation
Didwana is a globally recognized archaeological site situated in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. It is famous for yielding an extensive stratigraphic sequence of the Palaeolithic period. Excavations in this region have provided vital clues about environmental changes and human adaptation within the semi-arid landscape of western India, making it a cornerstone for studying the Pleistocene epoch and early hominin behavior.
Q10. The famous bronze statue of the Dancing Girl was discovered at which of the following Harappan sites?
Explanation
The iconic bronze statue known as the Dancing Girl is a masterpiece of the lost-wax casting technique. Discovered in Mohenjo-daro, it depicts a young woman adorned with bangles and a necklace, showcasing advanced metallurgical skills. This artifact provides significant insights into the artistic sensibilities, social life, and sophisticated aesthetic values of the people during the mature Harappan phase.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) The era reconstructed through archaeological findings due to the absence of written records |
| 2 | (b) Manda |
| 3 | (a) The evolution of lithic tool technologies and the introduction of metals |
| 4 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 5 | (c) V.N. Misra |
| 6 | (c) Every house had its own courtyard and bathroom connected to the street drains. |
| 7 | (c) I and III only |
| 8 | (d) I and II only |
| 9 | (c) Nagaur |
| 10 | (c) Mohenjo-daro |
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on RAS Prelims?
This page has 3203 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How should I practise MCQs for RAS Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation. Practise one chapter at a time, note the facts you got wrong and revise them. Repeat the chapter after a few days.
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No. These are practice questions written for the RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the pattern the exam uses: factual questions, statement-based questions, match-the-list and assertion-reason.