Q191. Which of the following ancient Indian dynasties is recognized as an exception because it did NOT significantly patronize or promote Jainism?
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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Q192. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Events in Buddha’s Life | Associated Symbols |
|---|---|
| A. Birth | i. Bodhi Tree |
| B. Mahabhinishkramana (Renunciation) | ii. Wheel |
| C. Nirvana (Enlightenment) | iii. Lotus and Bull |
| D. Dharmachakra Pravartana (First Sermon) | iv. Horse |
Explanation
Early Buddhist art used specific symbols to represent major milestones in Gautama Buddha’s life. His birth is symbolized by the lotus and the bull, while his renunciation is depicted by a horse. The Bodhi tree represents his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and the wheel signifies his first sermon at Sarnath. These icons allowed followers to visualize and commemorate his spiritual journey.
Q193. Before achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Siddhartha Gautama studied meditation techniques under which two prominent ascetic teachers?
Explanation
Following his renunciation, Siddhartha Gautama sought guidance from various spiritual masters to understand the nature of suffering. He first studied under Alara Kalama, who taught him about the sphere of nothingness. Later, he learned from Uddaka Ramaputta, who specialized in the state of neither perception nor non-perception. Ultimately, Siddhartha found these techniques insufficient and decided to seek enlightenment through his own efforts.
Q194. Identify the incorrectly matched pair regarding the significant places in the life of Gautama Buddha.
Explanation
Sarnath is famously the location where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma. It is not the site of his death. The Buddha actually passed away and attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. Other significant sites include Lumbini, his birthplace, and Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment, making these locations the core pilgrimage circuit.
Q195. Consider the following statements regarding the life of Siddhartha Gautama:
I. He belonged to the Shakya republican clan.
II. He left his home at the age of twenty-nine to seek the truth.
III. He attained enlightenment on the banks of the river Niranjana.
IV. His final words were delivered at Kushinagar to his last convert, Subhadda.
V. His charioteer during the great departure was named Devadatta.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He belonged to the Shakya republican clan.
II. He left his home at the age of twenty-nine to seek the truth.
III. He attained enlightenment on the banks of the river Niranjana.
IV. His final words were delivered at Kushinagar to his last convert, Subhadda.
V. His charioteer during the great departure was named Devadatta.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Siddhartha Gautama was a prince of the Shakya clan who left home at twenty-nine and attained enlightenment by the Niranjana river. His final teachings were indeed given to Subhadda at Kushinagar. However, his loyal charioteer was named Channa, not Devadatta. Devadatta was actually his cousin who became a rival within the monastic order, attempting to seize control of the Sangha.
Q196. According to Buddhist tradition, what were the names of Siddhartha Gautama’s favorite horse and his loyal charioteer, respectively?
Explanation
In Buddhist tradition, the Great Departure or Mahabhinishkramana involves two loyal companions who assisted Siddhartha in leaving his palace. Kanthaka was his favorite white horse, and Channa was his devoted charioteer. According to the legends, Kanthaka died of a broken heart after Siddhartha sent them back to the city, symbolizing the profound emotional weight of the prince’s decision to seek truth.
Q197. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the options given below:
Assertion (A): The Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath to five ascetic companions.
Reason (R): This specific event is known in formal Buddhist tradition as the Mahaparinirvana.
Assertion (A): The Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath to five ascetic companions.
Reason (R): This specific event is known in formal Buddhist tradition as the Mahaparinirvana.
Explanation
The Buddha’s first sermon, delivered to five ascetics at Sarnath, is a foundational historical event. However, the term Mahaparinirvana refers specifically to his final passing and release from the cycle of rebirth at Kushinagar. The first sermon is instead called the Dharmachakra Pravartana, or the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma, which established the core tenets of his teaching.
Q198. According to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, the Second Noble Truth (Samudaya) explicitly identifies which of the following as the root cause of human suffering?
Explanation
The Second Noble Truth, or Samudaya, identifies the origin of suffering. It asserts that Dukkha arises from Trishna, which translates to craving, desire, or attachment. This craving for sensory pleasures, existence, or even non-existence keeps beings trapped in the cycle of rebirth and sorrow. By identifying this root cause, the Buddha provided a logical basis for his subsequent path toward spiritual liberation.
Q199. In Buddhist doctrine, the term ‘Dukkha Nirodha Gamini Pratipad’ refers specifically to which foundational concept?
Explanation
The term Dukkha Nirodha Gamini Pratipad refers to the Fourth Noble Truth, which outlines the path leading to the cessation of suffering. This practical guide is known as the Noble Eightfold Path. It provides a comprehensive framework for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. By following these eight steps, practitioners aim to eliminate craving and eventually achieve the state of Nirvana.
Q200. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Divisions of the Eightfold Path | Specific Path Components |
|---|---|
| A. Prajna (Wisdom) | i. Right View |
| B. Sila (Morality) | ii. Right Speech |
| C. Samadhi (Concentration) | iii. Right Mindfulness |
| D. Component of Sila | iv. Right Livelihood |
Explanation
The Eightfold Path is organized into three major sections: Wisdom, Morality, and Concentration. Wisdom or Prajna includes Right View and Right Resolve. Morality or Sila encompasses Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. Concentration or Samadhi consists of Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These divisions ensure that the practitioner develops balanced spiritual growth through ethical living and mental training.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 191 | (a) The Imperial Guptas of Magadha |
| 192 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 193 | (b) Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta |
| 194 | (a) Sarnath - Site of his death and final Nirvana |
| 195 | (a) I, II, III and IV only |
| 196 | (d) Kanthaka and Channa |
| 197 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 198 | (b) Trishna (Desire or Craving) |
| 199 | (d) The Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of suffering |
| 200 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
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.