Q111. Which of the following best describes the "Aranyakas"?
Ancient Indian History: RAS Prelims MCQs
615 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on ancient Indian history are on this page, in 8 chapters. They begin with the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Vedic Age, move through Buddhism, Jainism, the Mauryas and Guptas, and then cover the Chalukyas, Pallavas and Cholas, ancient art and science, and the Indian knowledge and value system. Every question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q112. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Rigvedic society.
Explanation
Rigvedic society was organized around tribal and kinship lines but was not characterized by the rigid, hereditary caste system that emerged later. Social divisions were fluid and primarily based on occupation or color. There is no evidence for the practice of untouchability during this early phase. Life revolved around patriarchal families, and the community enjoyed pastimes like dicing and chariot racing.
Q113. Consider the following statements about the Yajurveda:
I. It is a ritual Veda containing formulas to be recited by the Adhvaryu priest.
II. It is divided into the Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) Yajurveda.
III. It contains the earliest references to the doctrine of transmigration of souls.
IV. The Shatapatha Brahmana is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. It is a ritual Veda containing formulas to be recited by the Adhvaryu priest.
II. It is divided into the Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) Yajurveda.
III. It contains the earliest references to the doctrine of transmigration of souls.
IV. The Shatapatha Brahmana is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Yajurveda is a ritualistic Veda containing formulas used by the Adhvaryu priest. It is divided into two parts: the Shukla or White Yajurveda and the Krishna or Black Yajurveda. The Shatapatha Brahmana, a significant prose text, is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda. While it details rituals, the specific doctrine of transmigration of souls is more characteristic of later Upanishadic philosophy.
Q114. The legend of Videgha Madhava, which symbolically narrates the Aryan expansion towards the east (Videha region), is found in which ancient text?
Explanation
The legend of Videgha Madhava is recorded in the Shatapatha Brahmana. It describes the eastward movement of the Aryans, led by the king and his priest, following the path of the sacrificial fire. This narrative serves as a symbolic representation of the spread of Vedic culture and the clearing of land for agriculture as the community moved into the Videha region.
Q115. In Later Vedic administration, the "Ratnins" were:
Explanation
In the Later Vedic period, the administrative structure became more complex with the appointment of high-ranking officials known as Ratnins, or jewel-bearers. These individuals included members of the royal family, priests, and military leaders who assisted the king in governance and ritual ceremonies. Their involvement in the royal consecration highlights their political importance and the growing sophistication of the state.
Q116. Match List-I with List-II regarding Vedic sacrifices and their purposes:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Vedic Sacrifices | Their Purpose |
|---|---|
| A. Rajasuya | i. Chariot race to establish the king’s supremacy over his kinsmen |
| B. Ashvamedha | ii. Royal consecration ceremony conferring supreme power |
| C. Vajapeya | iii. Horse sacrifice to assert unquestioned territorial sovereignty |
| D. Agnishtoma | iv. Sacrifice dedicated to Agni involving the drinking of Soma |
Explanation
Later Vedic kings performed elaborate sacrifices to legitimize and enhance their power. The Rajasuya was a consecration ceremony, while the Ashvamedha involved a horse sacrifice to assert territorial sovereignty. The Vajapeya featured a chariot race to demonstrate the king’s physical prowess and superiority. Lastly, the Agnishtoma was a soma sacrifice dedicated to Agni, serving both spiritual and ritual functions for the community.
Q117. Which of the following is an exception to the economic developments of the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
During the Later Vedic period, the economy transitioned toward settled agriculture and diverse crafts. While items like Nishka and Satamana were used as units of value, the widespread use of standardized, state-issued metallic coins had not yet occurred. Most transactions were still conducted through barter or through the exchange of cattle and specific metal weights, with formal coinage appearing only later.
Q118. The term "Gotra" originally meant:
Explanation
The term Gotra originally referred to the common cattle enclosure where the livestock of an entire clan were kept. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a group of people descending from a common male ancestor. This shift from a physical location to a lineage-based social unit highlights the transition from shared pastoral assets to a more structured kinship organization.
Q119. Identify the correct pair among the following regarding the Early Vedic deities:
Explanation
Early Vedic mythology featured various goddesses representing natural and abstract concepts. Aditi was venerated as the goddess of eternity and the mother of the gods. Other deities included Usha, the goddess of dawn, and Aranyani, the goddess of the forest. Understanding these divine figures provides insight into the spiritual world of the Rigvedic people and their personification of the universe.
Q120. Consider the following statements about the Vedas:
I. The Rigveda is divided into 10 Mandalas.
II. The 10th Mandala contains the Purusha Sukta, which outlines the fourfold Varna system.
III. The 3rd Mandala contains the Gayatri Mantra, addressed to Savitri.
IV. The Atharvaveda deals heavily with magic spells, charms, and primitive medicine.
V. The Samaveda provides intricate details on statecraft and polity.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. The Rigveda is divided into 10 Mandalas.
II. The 10th Mandala contains the Purusha Sukta, which outlines the fourfold Varna system.
III. The 3rd Mandala contains the Gayatri Mantra, addressed to Savitri.
IV. The Atharvaveda deals heavily with magic spells, charms, and primitive medicine.
V. The Samaveda provides intricate details on statecraft and polity.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Rigveda is divided into ten Mandalas, with the tenth containing the Purusha Sukta and the third the Gayatri Mantra. The Atharvaveda focuses on charms and medicine. However, the Samaveda is a collection of musical chants for sacrifices, not a text on statecraft. It is the Arthashastra, composed much later, that provides detailed information on ancient Indian polity and administration.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 111 | (a) Forest books containing mystical and philosophical teachings for hermits. |
| 112 | (b) Society was distinctly divided into rigid, untouchable castes. |
| 113 | (b) I, II and IV only |
| 114 | (a) Shatapatha Brahmana |
| 115 | (c) High state officials and dignitaries who assisted the king |
| 116 | (d) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 117 | (c) The widespread use of standardized, state- issued metallic coins |
| 118 | (b) The place where cattle belonging to the whole clan were kept. |
| 119 | (d) Aditi - The goddess of eternity and mother of the gods. |
| 120 | (c) V only |
Key facts from Ancient Indian History
- The RPSC syllabus lists the Indus and Vedic ages, the religious ideas of the 6th century BC, the Maurya, Kushan, Satavahana, Gupta, Chalukya, Pallava and Chola dynasties, ancient art and science, and the Indian knowledge system.
- Questions on sites and rulers usually ask for one distinguishing fact: the northernmost Harappan site, the first Gupta Maharajadhiraja, the builder of the Shore Temple.
- Statement and match-the-list formats are common, so learn each ruler or site with its period, region and monument.
- Art and science questions link a monument or text to its dynasty, for example Amaravati with the Satavahanas and the Khandakhadyaka with Brahmagupta.
- The Indian knowledge and value system chapter covers varna, ashrama, purushartha, samskaras and the six schools of philosophy.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Ancient Indian History?
This page has 615 practice MCQs on Ancient Indian History. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the ancient Indian history set cover?
Eight chapters: the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Vedic Age, the religious movements of the 6th century BC, the Maurya and post-Maurya dynasties, the Gupta Empire, South Indian dynasties, art, architecture and science, and the Indian knowledge and value system.
Is ancient history part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC lists Indian History under General Knowledge and General Science, and the ancient and medieval part names the Indus and Vedic ages, religious ideas of the 6th century BC, the major dynasties and ancient art and science.
How should I revise ancient history for RAS Prelims?
Work chapter by chapter. Attempt each question first, read the explanation, and write the key fact in a table of rulers, sites, texts and monuments. Revisit the weak chapters after a few days, since the facts are easy to confuse.