Q131. Which of the following deities is the odd one out, as he was highly venerated in the Early Vedic period but lost his supreme importance in the Later Vedic period?
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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Q132. The characteristic pottery of the early Aryans in the Sapta Sindhu region before they moved into the Gangetic valley is most commonly debated, but the Later Vedic phase is firmly associated with:
Explanation
The Later Vedic phase is consistently associated with the Painted Grey Ware archaeological culture. This distinctive pottery is found in the heartland of Later Vedic civilization, the Ganga- Yamuna Doab. The presence of PGW at various sites provides a physical record of the lifestyle, technology, and settlement patterns of the people during this transformative period in ancient Indian history and culture.
Q133. Arrange the following categories of Vedic literature in their correct chronological order of composition:
I. Brahmanas
II. Upanishads
III. Samhitas
IV. Aranyakas
Select the correct order from the options below:
I. Brahmanas
II. Upanishads
III. Samhitas
IV. Aranyakas
Select the correct order from the options below:
Explanation
Vedic literature developed over several centuries in a specific sequence. It began with the Samhitas, which include the four Vedas. These were followed by the Brahmanas, which provide prose explanations of rituals. Subsequently, the Aranyakas were composed, focusing on mystical interpretations. Finally, the Upanishads appeared, representing the culmination of Vedic thought with their deep philosophical inquiries into the nature of reality.
Q134. Identify the correct statement regarding the political developments at the very end of the Later Vedic period.
Explanation
By the end of the Later Vedic period, the political landscape had shifted significantly. Tribal identities were replaced by territorial ones, leading to the emergence of large states known as Mahajanapadas. This evolution was driven by settled agriculture, the use of iron, and increasing social complexity. It marked the transition from a decentralized tribal society to more centralized and organized political systems.
Q135. Consider the following statements about Later Vedic economy:
I. Agriculture became the chief means of livelihood.
II. Trade guilds, denoted by terms like ‘Shreshtin’, began to appear.
III. The barter system was completely replaced by a well-monetized economy using gold coins.
IV. The use of iron ploughshares improved agricultural yield.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. Agriculture became the chief means of livelihood.
II. Trade guilds, denoted by terms like ‘Shreshtin’, began to appear.
III. The barter system was completely replaced by a well-monetized economy using gold coins.
IV. The use of iron ploughshares improved agricultural yield.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Later Vedic economy was characterized by settled agriculture and the use of iron ploughshares to clear land and improve yields. Trade guilds, denoted by the term Shreshtin, began to emerge, reflecting increasing commercial specialization. While units of value like gold ornaments existed, the economy was not yet fully monetized with state-issued coins, as the barter system remained prevalent in many areas.
Q136. Which of the following social features was an exception and NOT fully crystallized during the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
While the Later Vedic period saw the crystallization of the Varna, Gotra, and Ashrama systems, the rigid practice of untouchability had not yet fully developed. Social hierarchies were becoming stricter, and the Shudras faced increasing discrimination, but the concept of certain groups being inherently untouchable was a later development in Indian social history, becoming more prominent in the subsequent post-Vedic era.
Q137. The transition from Early Vedic religion to Later Vedic religion was primarily characterized by:
Explanation
The transition from Early to Later Vedic religion was primarily marked by a shift from simple nature prayers to complex and elaborate ritual sacrifices. In the early period, worship was personal and direct, whereas the later period emphasized the mechanical performance of rites and the supreme importance of the priest. This change reflected a more stratified society and a sophisticated theological framework.
Q138. Match List-I with List-II regarding the Upanishads and their key themes or phrases:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Upanishads | Key Themes/Phrases |
|---|---|
| A. Mundaka Upanishad | i. Dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa |
| B. Chandogya Upanishad | ii. "Satyameva Jayate" |
| C. Katha Upanishad | iii. Earliest reference to the first three Ashramas |
| D. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad | iv. Philosophical dialogues of Yajnavalkya |
Explanation
Different Upanishads are known for specific philosophical themes and phrases. The Mundaka Upanishad contains the national motto "Satyameva Jayate," while the Chandogya provides early references to the Ashrama system. The Katha Upanishad features the famous dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa, and the Brihadaranyaka contains profound philosophical discussions led by the sage Yajnavalkya. These texts collectively define ancient Indian philosophy.
Q139. The Vedangas were composed to aid in the proper understanding and recitation of the Vedas. Which of the following is NOT one of the six Vedangas?
Explanation
The Vedangas are six auxiliary disciplines designed to help in the study and preservation of the Vedas. These include Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (metrics), and Jyotisha (astronomy). Nyaya, which refers to logic and reasoning, is one of the six schools of Indian philosophy but is not classified as one of the six Vedangas.
Q140. Identify the correct pair regarding Early Vedic social practices:
Explanation
Early Vedic society practiced several distinct social customs regarding marriage and family. Niyoga was a custom that allowed a childless widow to cohabit with her brother-in-law or another kinsman to produce an heir. This practice illustrates the importance placed on continuing the family lineage. Other terms like Anuloma referred to the marriage of a higher Varna man with a lower Varna woman.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 131 | (c) Indra |
| 132 | (d) Painted Grey Ware |
| 133 | (a) III, I, IV, II |
| 134 | (b) The vast territorial states known as Mahajanapadas began to emerge. |
| 135 | (b) I, II and IV only |
| 136 | (a) The rigid practice of untouchability |
| 137 | (c) Shift from simple nature prayers to complex ritual sacrifices. |
| 138 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 139 | (d) Nyaya (Logic) |
| 140 | (b) Niyoga - Practice of a widow cohabiting with a kinsman. |
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.