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 51–59 of 59 questions
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q51. Read the following lists regarding Vedanta philosophers and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Vedanta Philosopher
Philosophical Sub-school
A. Shankaracharya
i. Dvaita (Dualism)
B. Ramanujacharya
ii. Advaita (Non-dualism)
C. Madhvacharya
iii. Dvaitadvaita (Dualistic non-dualism)
D. Nimbarkacharya
iv. Vishishtadvaita (Qualified non-dualism)
Codes:
Explanation
Vedanta philosophy is divided into several sub-schools, each led by a prominent thinker. Adi Shankaracharya promoted absolute non-dualism, while Ramanuja advocated for qualified non-dualism. Madhvacharya established the doctrine of complete dualism, emphasizing the distinction between the soul and God. Nimbarka proposed a synthesis of both dualism and non-dualism, reflecting the rich diversity of metaphysical interpretations within the Vedanta tradition.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q52. Which set of three classical texts constitutes the ‘Prasthanatrayi’, the foundational triple canon of the Vedanta school of philosophy?
Explanation
The foundational canon of Vedanta consists of three essential texts that provide the philosophical basis for its various sub-schools. These include the ancient Upanishads, which explore deep metaphysical truths, a systematic text of aphorisms that synthesizes these teachings, and a celebrated dialogue that applies these principles to the complexities of life. Mastery of these works is necessary for any serious student of Vedantic philosophy.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q53. Which of the following represents the correct selection of the four states of consciousness commonly analyzed in Vedanta (such as in the Mandukya Upanishad)?
Explanation
Vedantic psychology analyzes human experience through four distinct states of consciousness. These range from the ordinary waking state and the dreaming state to deep, dreamless sleep. The fourth state is considered the underlying reality that transcends the other three, representing the pure, unconditioned awareness of the true self. Understanding these levels is crucial for realizing the ultimate nature of consciousness in Vedantic thought.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q54. Read the given statements regarding the Lokayata/Charvaka philosophy and select the correct answer: Statement I: Charvaka is a materialistic philosophy that accepts direct perception (Pratyaksha) as the only valid source of knowledge. Statement II: Charvaka fully accepts inference (Anumana) to prove the existence of God and the afterlife.
Explanation
The Charvaka school is a materialistic philosophy that relies exclusively on direct perception as a source of valid knowledge. Its proponents reject logical inference when it is used to prove metaphysical concepts like God or the soul. They argue that we can only be certain of what we can physically see and experience, leading them to deny the existence of any afterlife.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q55. Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the ethical standpoint of the Charvaka school?
Explanation
The ethical framework of the materialistic school emphasizes the importance of making the most of one’s current physical existence. Since its followers believe there is no soul or afterlife, they argue that the highest virtue is to maximize personal happiness and sensual enjoyment while alive. This perspective encourages individuals to avoid suffering and embrace the pleasures available in the material world.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q56. Identify the odd one out. The Charvaka philosophy accepts the physical reality of only four fundamental elements. Which of the following traditional elements is rejected by Charvaka?
Explanation
Materialist philosophers recognize only those elements that can be directly perceived through the senses. They accept earth, water, fire, and air as the fundamental building blocks of the physical world. However, they reject the concept of a fifth subtle element like space or ether because it cannot be seen or touched. This strict reliance on empirical evidence defines their limited view of physical reality.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q57. Which of the following concepts is NOT rejected by the Lokayata (Charvaka) philosophy?
Explanation
The materialistic school denies all spiritual and metaphysical concepts, including the authority of scriptures, the law of karma, and the existence of an immortal soul. Its proponents focus entirely on the tangible world. They accept the physical body as the only reality of a person, arguing that consciousness is merely an accidental byproduct of specific material combinations that ceases completely upon death.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q58. The term ‘Lokayata’, historically used synonymously with Charvaka, literally means:
Explanation
The term Lokayata reflects a philosophy that is deeply rooted in the observable world and accessible to the general population. It emphasizes worldly concerns and material well-being over abstract spiritual speculations. Historically, it described a system of thought that prioritized the here and now, focusing on the practical and sensory experiences shared by all humans in their daily lives.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q59. An individual is born with certain inherent traits and life circumstances resulting from past actions, while simultaneously generating new karma through present choices. Which type of Karma specifically refers to the portion of past actions that have begun to bear fruit in the present life?
Explanation
The law of karma categorizes actions into different types based on their timing and effects. Prarabdha karma specifically refers to the portion of past deeds that has matured and is currently influencing an individual’s present circumstances. While some karma remains stored for the future, this particular aspect determines the unavoidable conditions of the current life, emphasizing the continuity of cause and effect.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii
52
(d) Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita
53
(a) Jagrat, Svapna, Sushupti, Turiya
54
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
55
(d) Sensual pleasure is the legitimate and supreme goal of human life.
56
(a) Ether/Space (Akasha)
57
(c) The material existence of the physical body
58
(a) Prevalent among common people or related to this empirical world.
59
(d) Prarabdha Karma
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.
