Q121. The Upanishadic philosophy marked a shift from:
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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Q122. The following question consists of two statements, an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R). Read them carefully and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Assertion (A): The Aranyakas serve as a bridge between the Karma Marga of the Brahmanas and the Jnana Marga of the Upanishads.
Reason (R): They were texts meant to be studied in the forest and focused on the mystical meaning of sacrifices rather than their actual performance.
Assertion (A): The Aranyakas serve as a bridge between the Karma Marga of the Brahmanas and the Jnana Marga of the Upanishads.
Reason (R): They were texts meant to be studied in the forest and focused on the mystical meaning of sacrifices rather than their actual performance.
Explanation
The Aranyakas function as a vital link between the ritual-heavy Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads. By shifting the focus from the physical act of sacrifice to its deeper mystical and symbolic significance, they prepared the mind for the abstract inquiries found in later texts. Because they were studied in the seclusion of the forest, they encouraged meditation over external ritual performance.
Q123. In the Later Vedic society, the term "Dvija" (twice-born) referred to:
Explanation
In the Later Vedic social hierarchy, the term Dvija, meaning twice-born, was applied to members of the three upper Varnas: Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. These groups were eligible for the Upanayana ceremony, which involved the investment of the sacred thread. This ritual was considered a second, spiritual birth, distinguishing these classes from the Shudras, who were excluded from such rites.
Q124. What was the primary cause for the deepening social stratification and the rigidification of the Varna system in the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
Social stratification deepened in the Later Vedic period primarily due to the shift toward a settled agricultural economy. This transition created surplus wealth and allowed for occupational specialization. Concurrently, increasing concerns regarding ritual purity and the monopoly of the priestly class over sacrifices further rigidified the Varna system. These economic and ideological factors combined to transform flexible tribal groups into hereditary classes.
Q125. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the geography of the Early Vedic Aryans.
Explanation
The Early Vedic Aryans were primarily concentrated in the Sapta Sindhu region, which included modern-day Punjab and parts of Afghanistan. While they were familiar with the Himalayas and rivers like the Indus and Saraswati, they had not yet migrated into the Deccan plateau or southern India. Their geographic horizon was limited to the northwest and the upper reaches of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Q126. Which Early Vedic term was specifically used to describe a guest, literally translating to "one who is fed on cattle"?
Explanation
The term Goghna was used in the Vedic period to refer to a guest. It literally means one for whom a cow is slaughtered, reflecting the importance of cattle in hospitality. This linguistic evidence underscores the central role of livestock in the social and dietary practices of the time. It also highlights the prestige associated with hosting guests in a pastoral society.
Q127. Match List-I with List-II regarding Vedic terms for occupations or relations and their meanings:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Vedic Terms | Meanings |
|---|---|
| A. Duhitri | i. Barber |
| B. Vapta | ii. Daughter (milker of cows) |
| C. Takshan | iii. Metalsmith |
| D. Karmara | iv. Carpenter |
Explanation
Various Vedic terms provide insight into the social and occupational structure of the period. Duhitri referred to a daughter, likely meaning a milker of cows. Vapta signified a barber, while Takshan denoted a carpenter. Karmara was the term for a metalsmith. These designations show that while the society was pastoral, it also supported a range of specialized artisans and family roles.
Q128. Read the following statements and select the correct option regarding the Early Vedic period:
Statement I: In the Early Vedic period, the king collected a regular and fixed land revenue system from the peasants.
Statement II: The administrative machinery in the Early Vedic period was simple and largely based on tribal kinship.
Statement I: In the Early Vedic period, the king collected a regular and fixed land revenue system from the peasants.
Statement II: The administrative machinery in the Early Vedic period was simple and largely based on tribal kinship.
Explanation
Administrative machinery in the Early Vedic period was relatively simple and primarily based on tribal kinship rather than a bureaucratic state. The king did not collect a fixed land revenue; instead, he relied on voluntary tributes called Bali. A formal taxation system and regular revenue collection only emerged later during the transition to settled agriculture and the rise of territorial kingdoms in Northern India.
Q129. In the Rigveda, the term "Panis" was used to describe which group of people?
Explanation
In the Rigveda, the Panis were a group of people often portrayed as the enemies of the Aryans. They were described as wealthy merchants who hoarded wealth and frequently engaged in cattle lifting. These conflicts over livestock illustrate the economic tensions between different groups in a pastoral society where cattle were the most vital resource and the primary measure of wealth.
Q130. Consider the following statements regarding the Early Vedic period:
I. Society was strictly egalitarian with absolutely no social inequalities.
II. The family structure was patriarchal, with the eldest male acting as the Kulapa.
III. There are references to slavery, primarily domestic slaves, including women.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. Society was strictly egalitarian with absolutely no social inequalities.
II. The family structure was patriarchal, with the eldest male acting as the Kulapa.
III. There are references to slavery, primarily domestic slaves, including women.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Rigvedic society was patriarchal, with the eldest male, known as the Kulapa, leading the family. While it was more egalitarian than later periods, it was not strictly without inequality. Evidence exists for the presence of domestic slaves, particularly women captured during tribal wars. These social features show that while the caste system had not crystallized, hierarchical relationships and dependencies were present.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 121 | (c) Karma Marga (path of rituals) to Jnana Marga (path of knowledge) |
| 122 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 123 | (d) Three higher Varnas entitled to the sacred thread ceremony. |
| 124 | (b) Shift to agriculture and notions of ritual purity. |
| 125 | (c) They had extensively settled the entire Deccan plateau and the extreme south of India. |
| 126 | (d) Goghna |
| 127 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 128 | (d) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct. |
| 129 | (b) Wealthy merchants and cattle lifters in Aryan conflict. |
| 130 | (b) II and III 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.