Q51. In the context of ancient Indian temple architecture, the "Garbhagriha" is defined as:
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 51–60 of 79 questions
Q52. Match the items in List I with the items in
List II to identify the correct fields of scientific expertise.
List I: (Scholars of Ancient India)
A. Brahmagupta
B. Palakapya
C. Salihotra
D. Susruta
List II: (Primary Field of Scientific Expertise)
i. Veterinary science (horses)
ii. Mathematics and Astronomy
iii. Surgery
iv. Veterinary science (elephants)
List II to identify the correct fields of scientific expertise.
List I: (Scholars of Ancient India)
A. Brahmagupta
B. Palakapya
C. Salihotra
D. Susruta
List II: (Primary Field of Scientific Expertise)
i. Veterinary science (horses)
ii. Mathematics and Astronomy
iii. Surgery
iv. Veterinary science (elephants)
Explanation
Scholars in ancient India specialized in diverse scientific fields, producing foundational texts. Brahmagupta was a master of mathematics and astronomy. In the realm of veterinary science, Palakapya authored works on the medical care of elephants, while Salihotra specialized in the health and treatment of horses. Sushruta remains the most celebrated figure for his pioneering contributions to the field of surgery.
Q53. The mural paintings of Ajanta represent the pinnacle of ancient Indian artistic achievement. During which dynasty did the later, more extensive phase of painting at Ajanta primarily occur?
Explanation
The development of the Ajanta caves occurred in two distinct chronological phases. The later and more prolific phase, which includes the majority of the stunning mural paintings and elaborate Mahayana excavations, took place during the fifth and sixth centuries CE. This period of intense artistic activity was largely supported by the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty, particularly under the ruler Harishena.
Q54. Read the following statements regarding the Iron Pillar of Delhi:
I. It bears an inscription mentioning a king named Chandra.
II. It was originally erected at Vishnupadagiri.
III. It exhibits a high resistance to corrosion due to the presence of high phosphorus content.
IV. It is completely rust-free because it is made of pure titanium.
V. It is currently located in the Qutb complex in Delhi.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. It bears an inscription mentioning a king named Chandra.
II. It was originally erected at Vishnupadagiri.
III. It exhibits a high resistance to corrosion due to the presence of high phosphorus content.
IV. It is completely rust-free because it is made of pure titanium.
V. It is currently located in the Qutb complex in Delhi.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Iron Pillar of Delhi is a metallurgical marvel located in the Qutb complex, bearing an inscription of a king named Chandra. It is famous for its rust resistance, which results from its high phosphorus content and the formation of a protective layer. However, it is not made of titanium; it is composed of high-quality wrought iron produced through ancient forging techniques.
Q55. The Amaravati Stupa in Andhra Pradesh is a magnificent example of ancient structural architecture. Which prominent Buddhist sect is traditionally associated with the development of the Mahachaitya at Amaravati?
Explanation
The Amaravati Stupa, known as the Mahachaitya, is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist monuments in South India. Historically, its development and the religious life surrounding it were closely associated with the Mahasanghika sect. This school of Buddhism played a crucial role in the early evolution of Mahayana ideas and heavily influenced the artistic and devotional practices at the site.
Q56. Which of the following statements correctly highlights a major contribution of Aryabhata to mathematics?
Explanation
Aryabhata made several enduring contributions to mathematics that were ahead of his time. One of his most notable achievements was calculating the value of pi with high accuracy. In his work, he specified that for a circle with a given diameter, the circumference would be approximately 3.1416, a value that was remarkably close to modern mathematical determinations.
Q57. Select the correct sequence of the architectural progression of Buddhist structures from the earliest to the latest.
Explanation
The evolution of Buddhist architecture began with the simple brick stupas commissioned by Ashoka at Sanchi. This was followed by the addition of decorative stone railings and reliefs at Bharhut. Later, the Amaravati Stupa was significantly embellished with intricate marble carvings. Finally, the more complex Mahayana rock-cut caves and murals at Ajanta were developed during the fifth and sixth centuries CE.
Q58. Which of the following statements concerning the development of chemistry in ancient India is incorrect?
Explanation
Ancient Indian chemistry was a practical science involved in making glass, dyes, and perfumes. Metallurgical processes, including the extraction of zinc and iron, were well-developed. Contrary to the idea that cementation was unknown until Europeans arrived, ancient Indians successfully used this technique to produce brass by allowing zinc vapor to combine with copper, long before it became common in Europe.
Q59. Which of the following architectural elements is not found in the Dravida style of temple construction?
Explanation
The Dravida style of architecture is characterized by features such as the pyramidal vimana, mandapas for public assembly, and towering gopurams at the entrance gateways. The Amalaka, however, is a specific decorative element used in the Nagara style of North India. It is the ribbed stone disk that sits on top of the shikhara, which is absent in southern Dravidian temples.
Q60. Identify the odd one out among the following ancient educational institutions based on their geographical location.
Explanation
Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantapuri were all located in the eastern part of India, particularly in the regions of modern-day Bihar and Bengal, and were major centers of Mahayana Buddhist learning. Takshashila, however, was located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent, in present-day Pakistan. It was much older and served as a cross-cultural center for diverse fields of study.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) The main sanctum where the principal deity is enshrined. |
| 52 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 53 | (b) Vakataka dynasty |
| 54 | (b) IV only |
| 55 | (a) Mahasanghika |
| 56 | (c) He provided a precise approximation for pi as 3.1416. |
| 57 | (a) Sanchi Stupa (original core), Bharhut Stupa, Amaravati Stupa embellishments, Ajanta Mahayana Caves |
| 58 | (d) Cementation processes were entirely unknown in India until the arrival of the Europeans. |
| 59 | (b) Amalaka |
| 60 | (c) Takshashila |
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.