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.
Showing 151–160 of 615 questions
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RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q151. Consider the following statements regarding the Purusha Sukta: I. It is found in the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda. II. It provides the earliest textual reference to the fourfold division of society. III. It explicitly condemns the practice of sacrifices. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Purusha Sukta, found in the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda, is a foundational text that outlines the divine origin of the four Varnas. While it describes the social hierarchy, it does not condemn the practice of sacrifices. In fact, it portrays the creation of the world as a grand primordial sacrifice, reinforcing the central importance of ritual in the Vedic worldview.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q152. Which of the following religious changes is an exception to the general trends of the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
The Later Vedic period saw major changes in religious practice, including the rise of Prajapati as a creator god and the increasing complexity of animal sacrifices. The power of the Brahmana priests also grew significantly. However, Varuna, who was a major deity and the upholder of cosmic order in the Early Vedic period, saw his importance decline as worship became more ritual-centric.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q153. The texts known as "Brahmanas" primarily consist of:
Explanation
The Brahmanas are prose texts that serve as commentaries on the four Vedas. Their primary purpose is to provide detailed instructions and explanations for the performance of sacrificial rituals. They discuss the symbolic meaning of the hymns and the correct way to conduct ceremonies, reflecting a period where the ritualistic aspect of Vedic religion became highly sophisticated and essential for the community.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q154. Consider the following statements regarding Upanishadic thought: I. It emphasizes that salvation is attained through right knowledge, not rituals. II. It introduces the concept of Maya or illusion. III. It strictly reinforces the performance of Ashvamedha for spiritual liberation. IV. It centers on the profound doctrine of Karma and rebirth. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Upanishadic thought is characterized by its focus on spiritual knowledge rather than external rituals. It introduces profound concepts such as Maya, the nature of reality, and the law of Karma and rebirth. Unlike earlier texts that emphasized sacrifices like the Ashvamedha for worldly gain, the Upanishads teach that ultimate liberation is achieved through the realization of the self and its unity with Brahman.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q155. Which of the following is the odd one out in the context of the Later Vedic Ashrama system?
Explanation
The Ashrama system defines four specific stages of life: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sanyasa (renunciant). While Moksha, or liberation, is the ultimate goal of human life in Indian philosophy, it is not considered one of the chronological stages or Ashramas themselves. The Ashramas provide the social and spiritual framework through which an individual can eventually strive toward achieving Moksha.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q156. The famous book "The Arctic Home in the Vedas", which uses astronomical calculations to argue for the origin of Aryans, was authored by:
Explanation
Bal Gangadhar Tilak authored the influential book "The Arctic Home in the Vedas." In this work, he used astronomical data and references from the Vedas to argue that the original homeland of the Aryans was the Arctic region. This theory was part of a broader intellectual effort during the colonial period to determine the origins of Indo-Aryan civilization through various scientific lenses.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q157. Identify the correct statement regarding Early Vedic geography.
Explanation
The Rigveda provides several geographic markers of the Sapta Sindhu region. The Aryans were aware of the desert, which they referred to as Dhanv. While they knew the Himalayas, there are no certain references to the Vindhya mountains. Furthermore, the river Sindhu is the most frequently mentioned, highlighting its central role, whereas the Ganga is mentioned only once in the text.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q158. Match List-I with List-II regarding ancient and modern river names in the Afghanistan region:
Ancient River Names in Afghanistan
Modern Names
A. Kubha
i. Gomal
B. Krumu
ii. Kabul
C. Gomati
iii. Swat
D. Suvastu
iv. Kurram
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
Rigvedic texts mention several rivers in the Afghanistan region, indicating the westward extent of the Aryan tribes. The Kubha is identified with the modern Kabul river, and the Krumu corresponds to the Kurram. The Gomati is equated with the Gomal, and the Suvastu represents the Swat river. These geographical identifications are crucial for understanding the migratory routes and early settlements of the Aryans.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q159. Read the following statements and select the correct option regarding the Vedic diet and customs: Statement I: The Rigvedic diet primarily consisted of milk, ghee, vegetables, and meat, while fish was rarely consumed. Statement II: Soma was a highly regarded ritual drink, whereas Sura was often condemned as a cause of intoxicating ruin.
Explanation
The Vedic diet was diverse, consisting of dairy products like milk and ghee, along with vegetables and various meats. While fish consumption was rare, the ritual use of drinks was significant. Soma was highly esteemed and used in sacred ceremonies, whereas Sura was generally regarded with disapproval due to its intoxicating effects. These dietary habits reflect both the pastoral lifestyle and the community’s ethical values.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q160. Consider the following comprehensive statements regarding the Vedic Age: I. The Early Vedic period was semi-nomadic, while the Later Vedic period saw the rise of settled territorial states. II. The Rigveda was the only Veda composed during the Early Vedic period. III. The social status of the Shudras improved significantly in the Later Vedic period. IV. Women lost their right to the Upanayana ceremony in the Later Vedic period. V. Iron technology was completely unknown throughout both the Early and Later Vedic periods. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Vedic age evolved from a semi-nomadic society to one characterized by settled territorial states. The Rigveda was the primary text of the early period, while other Vedas followed. During the later phase, women lost their right to the Upanayana ceremony. However, Shudra status generally declined, and iron technology, though absent early on, became central to the expansion and development of the Later Vedic society.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
151
(b) III only
152
(a) The importance of Varuna as the upholder of cosmic order significantly increased.
153
(c) Prose explanations of sacrificial rituals and hymns.
154
(c) I, II and IV only
155
(d) Moksha
156
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
157
(c) The desert is mentioned in the Rigveda as "Dhanv".
158
(d) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii
159
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
160
(a) I, II and IV 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.
