Q161. Which of the following factors primarily contributed to the emergence of heterodox religious movements in the 6th century BC?
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.
Showing 161–170 of 615 questions
Browse Ancient Indian History chapters
Q162. The philosophical and religious revolt against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas in the 6th century BC was primarily led by which Varna?
Explanation
The philosophical revolt against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas was largely initiated by the Kshatriya varna. Both Gautama Buddha and Vardhamana Mahavira were Kshatriya princes who challenged the hereditary supremacy and ritualistic claims of the priestly class. This movement sought to establish a more egalitarian social structure and questioned the validity of elaborate Vedic ceremonies.
Q163. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the options given below:
Assertion (A): The 6th century BC witnessed the emergence of numerous heterodox sects in the Gangetic valley.
Reason (R): The expansion of the agrarian economy and trade required a break from rigid Vedic animal sacrifices that depleted essential cattle wealth.
Assertion (A): The 6th century BC witnessed the emergence of numerous heterodox sects in the Gangetic valley.
Reason (R): The expansion of the agrarian economy and trade required a break from rigid Vedic animal sacrifices that depleted essential cattle wealth.
Explanation
The emergence of heterodox sects in the Gangetic valley was closely linked to economic transformations. The expansion of agriculture required a steady supply of cattle for plowing, which conflicted with the frequent ritualistic animal sacrifices mandated by Vedic traditions. Consequently, new religions like Buddhism and Jainism gained popularity by emphasizing non-violence and protecting the livestock essential for trade.
Q164. Which of the following statements incorrectly describes the historical context of the 6th century BC?
Explanation
The 6th century BC was characterized by the Second Urbanization, marked by the growth of major cities and stable monarchies. Agricultural surplus, facilitated by the widespread use of iron tools, led to the development of trade and coinage. Therefore, describing this period as a time of urban decline or a return to rural tribal settlements is historically inaccurate.
Q165. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Jain Terminology | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Jina | i. Ford-maker or guide across the river of worldly existence |
| B. Nirgrantha | ii. Free from all bonds and fetters |
| C. Tirthankara | iii. Conqueror of senses and desires |
| D. Kevalin | iv. Possessor of supreme knowledge |
Explanation
Jainism employs specific terms to describe spiritual milestones and attributes. A Jina is a conqueror of senses, while a Nirgrantha is one free from all worldly bonds. Tirthankaras act as guides across the river of existence, and Kevalin refers to those who have achieved supreme knowledge. These terms collectively define the path toward spiritual liberation and ultimate enlightenment.
Q166. Vardhamana Mahavira belonged to which of the following prominent Kshatriya clans?
Explanation
Vardhamana Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, was born into the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan. This clan was part of the Vajji confederacy, centered around the region of Vaishali. His high social status as a prince gave him access to various philosophical teachings, yet he eventually renounced his royal life to seek spiritual truth through intense penance and meditation.
Q167. Consider the following statements regarding the life of Vardhamana Mahavira:
I. He was born in Kundagrama near Vaishali.
II. He belonged to the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan.
III. He attained Nirvana at Kushinagar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He was born in Kundagrama near Vaishali.
II. He belonged to the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan.
III. He attained Nirvana at Kushinagar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Vardhamana Mahavira was born in Kundagrama, near Vaishali, and belonged to the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan. While these two facts are historically accurate, he did not pass away at Kushinagar. Instead, Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pava, while Gautama Buddha is the one traditionally associated with passing away at Kushinagar. This distinction is crucial for understanding early religious history.
Q168. Identify the correctly matched pair of the Jain Tirthankara and their recognized symbol.
Explanation
Each of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras is associated with a specific symbolic emblem. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, is traditionally represented by the serpent. Other prominent symbols include the bull for Rishabhanatha, the lion for Mahavira, and the elephant for Ajitanatha. These symbols assist devotees in identifying and venerating the different spiritual leaders within the Jain iconographic tradition.
Q169. Who among the following was the first disciple of Vardhamana Mahavira, who later rebelled against him?
Explanation
Jamali was the son-in-law of Vardhamana Mahavira and is recognized as his first disciple. Despite his early commitment, Jamali later led the first schism within the Jain community due to doctrinal differences regarding the completion of an action. This rebellion highlights the early philosophical debates and internal divisions that occurred even during the lifetime of the final Tirthankara.
Q170. Consider the following events from the life of Vardhamana Mahavira:
I. Attainment of Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama
II. Birth at Kundagrama
III. Passing away at Pava
IV. Renunciation of worldly life at the age of thirty
Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the events mentioned above?
I. Attainment of Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama
II. Birth at Kundagrama
III. Passing away at Pava
IV. Renunciation of worldly life at the age of thirty
Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the events mentioned above?
Explanation
The life of Vardhamana Mahavira follows a clear chronological progression starting with his birth at Kundagrama. He subsequently renounced worldly life at the age of thirty to live as an ascetic. After twelve years of rigorous penance, he attained supreme knowledge or Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama. Finally, he passed away and attained Nirvana at the town of Pava.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 161 | (b) The rigidification of the Varna system and the economic burden of Vedic animal sacrifices |
| 162 | (a) Kshatriyas |
| 163 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 164 | (d) The period saw the decline of urban centers and a return to rural tribal settlements. |
| 165 | (a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
| 166 | (b) Jnatrika clan |
| 167 | (a) I and II only |
| 168 | (a) Parshvanatha - Serpent |
| 169 | (c) Jamali |
| 170 | (a) II, IV, I, III |
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.