Indian Knowledge and Value System: RAS Prelims MCQs
59 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Indian knowledge and value system cover varna and ashrama, the four purusharthas, the sixteen samskaras, the six schools of philosophy and the Gurukul tradition of education. They ask for definitions, classifications and sequences, and the explanations give the meaning of each Sanskrit term so you can answer by understanding.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 59 questions
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q31. Consider the following statements regarding the features of the Gurukul system: I. Education was primarily imparted through oral traditions (Shruti and Smriti). II. Students were expected to perform daily household chores for the Guru, promoting humility and equality. III. Dakshina was the voluntary offering given by the student to the Guru at the completion of studies. IV. The curriculum aimed at the holistic development of the student, integrating both spiritual (Para) and worldly (Apara) knowledge. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Ancient Indian education emphasized the preservation of knowledge through oral transmission and the cultivation of humility through service. Students integrated spiritual and material learning to achieve holistic development. Upon completing their studies, they offered a voluntary token of gratitude to their teachers.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q32. A student in an ancient Gurukul is studying archery (Dhanurveda), mathematics, and administration alongside the Upanishads. This curriculum reflects which core principle of the Gurukul system?
Explanation
A Gurukul pupil who learned archery, mathematics and administration along with the Upanishads shows the synthesis of spiritual and material knowledge that the system aimed at.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q33. Which of the following was NOT a characteristic feature of the ancient Gurukul system?
Explanation
The Gurukul system tested pupils through continuous observation by the Guru and trained character and discipline. Printed question papers and standardised written exams did not exist, so A is not a feature.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q34. In classical Indian philosophy, the Six Schools (Sad Darshanas) are collectively classified as ‘Astika’. What is the primary criterion for a school to be considered ‘Astika’ in this context?
Explanation
A school is called Astika if it accepts the authority of the Vedas. Belief in a creator God is not the test, since Samkhya and Mimamsa are Astika without it.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q35. Consider the following statements regarding the Six Schools of Indian Philosophy (Sad Darshanas): I. Nyaya emphasizes logic and epistemology. II. Vaisheshika is renowned for its pluralistic realism and atomic theory. III. Samkhya presents a dualistic philosophy of Purusha and Prakriti. IV. Mimamsa focuses primarily on the interpretation of Vedic rituals and duties. V. Vedanta explores the nature of Brahman as presented in the Upanishads. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Nyaya is the school of logic, Vaisheshika teaches atomism and pluralistic realism, Samkhya is dualist (Purusha and Prakriti), Mimamsa interprets Vedic rituals and Vedanta studies Brahman in the Upanishads. All five statements are correct.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q36. The Sanskrit term ‘Darshana’ literally translates to:
Explanation
The word Darshana means vision or direct realisation of truth. It is the name given to the six schools of philosophy.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q37. Arrange the following metaphysical entities in the correct sequence of cosmic evolution according to the Samkhya philosophy: I. Ahamkara (Ego) II. Prakriti (Primordial Nature) III. Mahat/Buddhi (Intellect) IV. Manas (Mind)
Explanation
In Samkhya, evolution starts from Prakriti, then Mahat or Buddhi (intellect), then Ahamkara (ego) and then Manas (mind). The order is II, III, I, IV.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q38. Identify the odd one out among the following schools of philosophy, based on the traditional Astika/Nastika classification:
Explanation
Nyaya, Samkhya and Mimamsa are Astika schools because they accept the Vedas. Charvaka rejects them and is a Nastika school, so it is the odd one out.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q39. Which school of Indian philosophy is fundamentally known as the science of reasoning (Tarka-shastra) and outlines an intricate system of logic to acquire valid knowledge?
Explanation
Nyaya is called Tarka-shastra, the science of reasoning, because it gives a detailed system of logic and the means of valid knowledge.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q40. The Vaisheshika school of philosophy is best known for formulating which of the following theories?
Explanation
The Vaisheshika school is celebrated for its early scientific approach to understanding the physical universe. It proposed that all material objects are composed of indivisible atoms and classified all of reality into distinct categories. This analytical framework aimed to explain the diversity of the world through the combinations and qualities of these fundamental particles, laying the groundwork for Indian natural philosophy.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
31
(d) I, II, III and IV
32
(c) The synthesis of spiritual knowledge and material knowledge.
33
(a) Standardized written examinations using printed question papers for grading
34
(b) Acceptance of the supreme authority of the Vedas.
35
(d) I, II, III, IV and V
36
(a) Vision or direct realization of truth
37
(a) II, III, I, IV
38
(d) Charvaka
39
(c) Nyaya
40
(d) The atomic theory of matter and categories of reality.
Key facts from Indian Knowledge and Value System
The Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda gives the earliest conceptual basis of the four varnas.
Traditional Smriti texts count 16 principal samskaras, beginning with Garbhadhana, Pumsavana, Simantonnayana and Jatakarma.
Dharma is the inherent law or cosmic order that sustains the universe and society; Svadharma is one’s own duty.
The six Astika schools accept the authority of the Vedas; Charvaka is the Nastika school.
Darshana means vision or direct realisation of truth; Nyaya is the science of reasoning.
A Jivanmukta is a person who has attained enlightenment and is free from ignorance while still living.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Indian Knowledge and Value System?
This page has 59 practice MCQs on Indian Knowledge and Value System (Ancient Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How many samskaras are there in the Smriti tradition?
The generally accepted number is 16, running from conception to death. The first four are Garbhadhana, Pumsavana, Simantonnayana and Jatakarma, which are the pre-natal and birth rites in the usual order.
What makes a school of philosophy Astika?
Acceptance of the authority of the Vedas. Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta are Astika, while Charvaka, Buddhism and Jainism are Nastika because they reject Vedic authority.
What is a Jivanmukta?
A Jivanmukta is a person who has achieved spiritual enlightenment and is free from ignorance, yet continues to live in the body. The idea belongs to Vedanta, and it is contrasted with Videhamukti, liberation after death.
