Q181. The historical schism dividing Jainism into the Digambara and Shvetambara sects was primarily triggered by which event?
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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Q182. Identify the correct statement regarding the differences between the Digambara and Shvetambara sects of Jainism.
Explanation
A significant point of departure between the two Jain sects concerns the gender of the nineteenth Tirthankara, Mallinatha. The Shvetambara sect maintains that Mallinatha was a woman, whereas the Digambaras believe that all Tirthankaras were male. Furthermore, Digambaras hold that women must be reborn as men to achieve liberation, while Shvetambaras believe women can attain Kaivalya in their current female form.
Q183. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Jain Sub-sects | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|
| A. Sthanakvasi | i. Shvetambara sub-sect that totally rejects idol worship |
| B. Terapanthi | ii. Shvetambara sub-sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu in Rajasthan |
| C. Bisapanthi | iii. Digambara sub-sect that worships idols with offerings of flowers and sweets |
| D. Taranpanthi | iv. Digambara sub-sect that worships sacred texts rather than idols |
Explanation
Jainism features several sub-sects within its two main divisions. The Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi are Shvetambara groups, with the former rejecting idol worship and the latter following Acharya Bhikshu. Among Digambaras, the Bisapanthi worship idols with offerings, while the Taranpanthi prioritize the veneration of sacred texts. These variations reflect different interpretations of ritual practice and the appropriate focus of devotional worship.
Q184. What was the direct effect of the First Jain Council held at Pataliputra under the leadership of Sthulabhadra?
Explanation
The First Jain Council held at Pataliputra was a pivotal event aimed at codifying the sacred teachings. Under Sthulabhadra’s leadership, the monks compiled the twelve Angas. However, the southern monks who had migrated during the famine rejected these versions upon their return, claiming the original teachings were lost. This disagreement solidified the sectarian split between the Shvetambaras and the Digambaras.
Q185. Consider the following statements regarding the beliefs of the Digambara sect:
I. They believe that Vardhamana Mahavira never married.
II. They maintain that a Kevalin (omniscient being) requires no food to sustain their body.
III. They accepted the textual canons compiled at the First Jain Council as absolute truth.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. They believe that Vardhamana Mahavira never married.
II. They maintain that a Kevalin (omniscient being) requires no food to sustain their body.
III. They accepted the textual canons compiled at the First Jain Council as absolute truth.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Digambara sect is characterized by several distinct beliefs, including the assertion that Mahavira remained a lifelong bachelor and that omniscient beings do not require food. Crucially, they do not accept the authenticity of the canonical texts compiled during the First Jain Council at Pataliputra. They maintain that the original teachings of Mahavira were lost over time due to various historical disruptions.
Q186. The Hathigumpha inscription, which stands as a major epigraphical source for the royal patronage of Jainism in ancient India, is associated with which ruler?
Explanation
The Hathigumpha inscription is a major historical record located in the Udayagiri caves of Odisha. It details the military conquests and religious activities of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. The inscription provides clear evidence of royal patronage for Jainism, mentioning the recovery of a Jina idol previously taken by the Nanda kings and the King’s personal devotion to Jain monks.
Q187. The renowned Dilwara temples at Mount Abu, a major pilgrimage site for Jains in Rajasthan, were constructed during the paramountcy of which dynasty?
Explanation
The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu are world-renowned for their exquisite marble carvings and architectural splendor. These Jain shrines were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD under the patronage of the Chalukya or Solanki rulers of Gujarat. Ministers like Vimal Shah and Vastupala played key roles in commissioning these magnificent structures, which remain important pilgrimage sites for the Jain community today.
Q188. Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of early royal patrons of Jainism?
Explanation
Jainism enjoyed support from various Indian rulers across different centuries. Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty was a contemporary of Mahavira. Later, Chandragupta Maurya famously abdicated his throne to become a Jain monk. King Kharavela of Kalinga promoted the faith in the 1st century BC, and Kumarapala of the Chalukya dynasty became a major patron in the medieval period under Hemachandra’s influence.
Q189. Which ruler of the Haryanka dynasty, known for building the city of Pataliputra, is strongly recognized in Jain texts as a devout patron of Jainism?
Explanation
Udayin, the successor of Ajatashatru in the Haryanka dynasty, is frequently mentioned in Jain chronicles as a devoted follower of the faith. He is credited with shifting the capital to Pataliputra and constructing a dedicated Jain temple at the center of the new city. His reign represents a period where Jainism received significant political support within the expanding Magadhan empire.
Q190. Consider the following statements regarding the spread and patronage of Jainism:
I. Mathura became a prominent center for Jain art and culture during the Kushana period.
II. Chandragupta Maurya traveled to Shravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu and performed Sallekhana.
III. The Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha authored the Jain text Kavirajamarga.
IV. Jainism spread heavily to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, completely displacing Buddhism there by the 5th century AD.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Mathura became a prominent center for Jain art and culture during the Kushana period.
II. Chandragupta Maurya traveled to Shravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu and performed Sallekhana.
III. The Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha authored the Jain text Kavirajamarga.
IV. Jainism spread heavily to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, completely displacing Buddhism there by the 5th century AD.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Jainism had a significant impact on Indian culture, with Mathura serving as a major artistic center and various kings like Amoghavarsha contributing to its literature. However, unlike Buddhism, Jainism never became a dominant religion in Sri Lanka or Southeast Asia. It remained largely confined to the Indian subcontinent, maintaining a strong presence in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Central India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 181 | (c) A severe twelve-year famine in Magadha prompting a mass migration to the south |
| 182 | (b) Shvetambaras assert that the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinatha, was a female. |
| 183 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 184 | (a) The compilation of the 12 Angas, which the returning southern monks subsequently rejected. |
| 185 | (c) III only |
| 186 | (a) Kharavela of Kalinga |
| 187 | (d) The Chalukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat |
| 188 | (a) Bimbisara, Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela, Kumarapala |
| 189 | (c) Udayin |
| 190 | (c) 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.