Q21. Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora?
Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science: RAS Prelims MCQs
79 RAS Prelims MCQs on ancient Indian art, architecture and science test monuments, schools of sculpture, metallurgy and mathematics. Ajanta, Bharhut, Amaravati and Gandhara, the Iron Pillar of Delhi, the zinc smelting at Zawar and the work of Aryabhata and Brahmagupta feature, and each explanation links the work to its dynasty or site.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 21–30 of 79 questions
Q22. Which of the following elements is not traditionally associated with the Dravida style of temple architecture?
Explanation
The Dravida style of temple architecture, prevalent in Southern India, is defined by specific features such as the pyramidal vimana, large mandapas, and monumental gopurams. However, the curvilinear shikhara is a characteristic element of the Nagara style found in Northern India. In the Dravidian tradition, the roof over the sanctum takes a stepped pyramidal shape rather than a curved one.
Q23. Match the items in List I with the items in List II to identify the correct scholarly contributions.
| Scientific Scholars | Notable Contributions or Texts |
|---|---|
| A. Sushruta | i. Rasa Ratnakara (Alchemy and Chemistry) |
| B. Charaka | ii. Brihat Samhita |
| C. Varahamihira | iii. Rhinoplasty and surgical instruments |
| D. Nagarjuna | iv. Foundational text on Ayurveda and internal medicine |
Explanation
Ancient Indian scholars contributed significantly to various scientific fields through their foundational texts. Sushruta is celebrated for his surgical expertise and instruments, while Charaka authored a major work on internal medicine. Varahamihira produced an encyclopedic text on astronomy and natural sciences, and Nagarjuna is historically linked to the study of alchemy and the properties of various metals.
Q24. Identify the odd one out concerning the prominent centers of the Gandhara School of Art.
Explanation
The Gandhara school of art was localized in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, with major centers at Taxila, Peshawar, and Bamiyan. These locations were heavily influenced by Greco-Roman aesthetic traditions. Sarnath, located in the east, was the center of a different sculptural school that emphasized indigenous styles and spiritual serenity during the later Gupta period.
Q25. Read the following statements regarding the Mathura School of Art:
I. It developed indigenously without significant foreign stylistic influence.
II. It predominantly used spotted red sandstone for its sculptures.
III. It produced sculptures exclusively of Buddhist deities.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. It developed indigenously without significant foreign stylistic influence.
II. It predominantly used spotted red sandstone for its sculptures.
III. It produced sculptures exclusively of Buddhist deities.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Mathura school of art was an indigenous tradition that primarily utilized spotted red sandstone for its sculptures. Unlike the Gandhara school, it was not limited to Buddhist themes. It produced a wide variety of religious icons, including representations of deities from the Hindu and Jain traditions, making it a versatile center for sculptural production that catered to multiple faiths.
Q26. The Gandhara sculptures often depict the Buddha with curly hair, athletic physique, and flowing drapery. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for this specific aesthetic representation?
Explanation
The distinctive appearance of the Buddha in Gandhara art is a direct result of cultural synthesis. Following the conquests of Alexander and the subsequent Indo-Greek rule, Hellenistic and Roman artistic styles were adopted to depict Buddhist subjects. This resulted in the Buddha being portrayed with wavy hair, an athletic build, and realistic drapery, resembling the classical statues of Apollo.
Q27. Read the following statements regarding ancient Indian medical sciences:
Statement I: The Sushruta Samhita contains detailed descriptions of complex surgical procedures including rhinoplasty and cataract surgery.
Statement II: The Charaka Samhita emphasizes preventive medicine, diagnosis, and the concept of digestion, metabolism, and immunity.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The Sushruta Samhita contains detailed descriptions of complex surgical procedures including rhinoplasty and cataract surgery.
Statement II: The Charaka Samhita emphasizes preventive medicine, diagnosis, and the concept of digestion, metabolism, and immunity.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The medical heritage of ancient India is anchored by two monumental works that address different aspects of healing. The Sushruta Samhita provides an extensive guide to complex surgical techniques, including plastic surgery. Simultaneously, the Charaka Samhita offers a comprehensive framework for internal medicine, focusing on diagnosis, herbal treatments, and the maintenance of health through balanced metabolism and immunity.
Q28. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): The Vesara style of temple architecture is prominently observed in the Deccan region.
Reason (R): The Vesara style originated as an independent architectural order completely uninfluenced by the pre-existing Nagara and Dravida styles.
Assertion (A): The Vesara style of temple architecture is prominently observed in the Deccan region.
Reason (R): The Vesara style originated as an independent architectural order completely uninfluenced by the pre-existing Nagara and Dravida styles.
Explanation
The Vesara style is a prominent architectural order found in the Deccan region, particularly under the Chalukyas and Hoysalas. However, it was not an entirely independent or uninfluenced style. It actually developed as a hybrid, selectively combining the curvilinear elements of the northern Nagara style with the tiered towers and architectural layout of the southern Dravida style.
Q29. Read the following statements regarding scientific development in ancient India:
I. The decimal system of numeration was developed in India.
II. Ancient Indian chemists successfully practiced the process of zinc smelting long before it was known in Europe.
III. Alchemy in ancient India was strongly associated with Ayurveda and the quest for elixirs of life.
IV. The Iron Pillar of Delhi was constructed during the Mauryan period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The decimal system of numeration was developed in India.
II. Ancient Indian chemists successfully practiced the process of zinc smelting long before it was known in Europe.
III. Alchemy in ancient India was strongly associated with Ayurveda and the quest for elixirs of life.
IV. The Iron Pillar of Delhi was constructed during the Mauryan period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Ancient India made profound scientific contributions, including the development of the decimal system and advanced techniques for smelting metals like zinc. Alchemy was also closely linked with Ayurvedic practices. However, the Iron Pillar of Delhi was not constructed during the Mauryan period; it is a product of the Gupta period, as evidenced by its historical inscription and metallurgical style.
Q30. A student observing a piece of ancient Indian art notes dynamic movement, crowded compositions, and a strong emphasis on narrative reliefs depicting the Jatakas, carved primarily in white limestone. Based on these characteristics, which school of art is the student most likely observing?
Explanation
The Amaravati school is distinguished by its unique use of white limestone and its dynamic, crowded sculptural compositions. It focused heavily on narrative reliefs that depicted Jataka tales with a sense of intense movement and emotional expression. These characteristics, along with the patronage of the Satavahanas in the Krishna valley, define the school’s specific stylistic identity in ancient India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) Ajanta features only Buddhist monuments, whereas Ellora contains Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments. |
| 22 | (b) Curvilinear Shikhara |
| 23 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i |
| 24 | (a) Sarnath |
| 25 | (c) III only |
| 26 | (a) Influence of Hellenistic and Roman artistic traditions. |
| 27 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 28 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 29 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 30 | (a) Amaravati School |
Key facts from Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
- The Ajanta caves are rock-cut monuments excavated in a horseshoe-shaped gorge.
- The Bharhut stupa is known for narrative bas-reliefs of Jataka tales; the Amaravati Stupa is a Satavahana work.
- Gandhara sculpture shows the Buddha with curly hair and flowing drapery under Hellenistic and Roman influence.
- The Iron Pillar of Delhi resists rust because of a protective passive film of misawite.
- Zawar in Rajasthan is known for ancient zinc smelting with retorts and distillation furnaces.
- Aryabhata set rules for square and cube roots; Brahmagupta wrote the Khandakhadyaka.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science?
This page has 79 practice MCQs on Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science (Ancient Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Why does the Iron Pillar of Delhi not rust?
It forms a protective passive film of misawite on its surface. This thin layer of iron, oxygen and phosphorus compounds shields the metal underneath, which is why the pillar has resisted corrosion for many centuries.
What is Zawar in Rajasthan known for?
Zawar has retorts and distillation furnaces from ancient and medieval times and is known for early zinc smelting. It shows that India had an advanced metallurgical tradition and was among the first to produce zinc on a large scale.
Who wrote the Khandakhadyaka?
Brahmagupta, the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer. The Khandakhadyaka is a text on astronomy and mathematics, and it is usually asked together with Aryabhata’s work on roots and the idea of a spherical Earth.