Q201. Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)?
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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Q202. Consider the following statements regarding the Noble Eightfold Path:
I. Right Speech (Samyak Vak) is categorized under the moral discipline (Sila) section.
II. Right Concentration (Samyak Samadhi) is categorized under the wisdom (Prajna) section.
III. Right Livelihood (Samyak Ajiva) strictly prohibits trades involving weapons and intoxicating drinks.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Right Speech (Samyak Vak) is categorized under the moral discipline (Sila) section.
II. Right Concentration (Samyak Samadhi) is categorized under the wisdom (Prajna) section.
III. Right Livelihood (Samyak Ajiva) strictly prohibits trades involving weapons and intoxicating drinks.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The categorization of the Eightfold Path is specific: Right Speech, Action, and Livelihood belong to the Sila group. Right Effort, Mindfulness, and Concentration fall under the Samadhi group. Finally, Right View and Resolve constitute the Prajna group. Therefore, describing Right Concentration as part of the wisdom section is incorrect, as it is fundamentally a meditative and mental discipline focused on concentration.
Q203. Buddhism uniquely advocates the doctrine of ‘Anatman’ (no permanent soul) while simultaneously believing in rebirth. How does Buddhist philosophy reconcile these two seemingly contradictory ideas?
Explanation
Buddhism reconciles the absence of a permanent soul with the concept of rebirth through the continuity of consciousness. Instead of a fixed entity migrating between bodies, it is the karmic energy and the stream of consciousness that flow from one life to the next. This process is often compared to how one candle flame lights another; the flames are related but not identical.
Q204. The foundational Buddhist philosophical doctrine of ‘Pratityasamutpada’ is best defined as:
Explanation
Pratityasamutpada, or Dependent Origination, is the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy. It teaches that all phenomena arise in dependence upon causes and conditions and possess no inherent, independent existence. This law of causality explains how ignorance leads to suffering and how the reversal of this chain can lead to liberation. It provides a rational framework for understanding the interconnected nature of the universe.
Q205. Consider the following critical links (Nidanas) of the Pratityasamutpada:
I. Vinnana (Consciousness)
II. Avijja (Ignorance)
III. Nama-Rupa (Mind and Body)
IV. Sankhara (Mental formations)
Which of the following is the correct sequential order starting from the root cause?
I. Vinnana (Consciousness)
II. Avijja (Ignorance)
III. Nama-Rupa (Mind and Body)
IV. Sankhara (Mental formations)
Which of the following is the correct sequential order starting from the root cause?
Explanation
The twelve links of Pratityasamutpada describe the cycle of existence. It begins with Avijja or ignorance, which gives rise to Sankhara or mental formations. These formations then lead to Vinnana or consciousness, which in turn results in Nama-Rupa or mind and body. Following this sequence allows practitioners to identify the root causes of worldly existence and systematically work toward breaking the chain.
Q206. In classical Buddhist philosophy, the concept of ‘Anicca’ denotes which of the following realities?
Explanation
Anicca is one of the three marks of existence in Buddhism, signifying the law of universal impermanence. It asserts that all conditioned things are in a constant state of flux and eventually pass away. Understanding Anicca is crucial for overcoming attachment, as it reminds practitioners that nothing in the material world is permanent, thus helping them reduce the suffering caused by clinging.
Q207. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhist philosophy:
I. It strongly rejects the supreme authority of the Vedas.
II. It firmly advocates extreme asceticism and self-mortification as the fastest path to Nirvana.
III. It officially accepts the existence of a singular, omnipotent Creator God.
IV. It promotes the ‘Middle Path’ (Madhyamarga) avoiding extremes of luxury and hardship.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. It strongly rejects the supreme authority of the Vedas.
II. It firmly advocates extreme asceticism and self-mortification as the fastest path to Nirvana.
III. It officially accepts the existence of a singular, omnipotent Creator God.
IV. It promotes the ‘Middle Path’ (Madhyamarga) avoiding extremes of luxury and hardship.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Buddhism is characterized by its rejection of Vedic authority and its promotion of the Middle Path, which avoids both extreme luxury and self-mortification. Furthermore, Buddhism does not recognize a singular, omnipotent Creator God. While the Buddha emphasized personal effort, he specifically warned against the harsh asceticism he had practiced before his enlightenment, favoring a balanced approach to the spiritual life.
Q208. Find the odd one out among the following terms, which does NOT belong to the five Skandhas (Aggregates) that constitute a sentient being in Buddhism.
Explanation
According to Buddhist doctrine, a sentient being is composed of five aggregates or Skandhas: Form, Sensation, Perception, Mental Formations, and Consciousness. The concept of an eternal, unchanging soul or Atman is explicitly rejected by the Buddha’s teaching of Anatman. By analyzing the self into these five changing components, Buddhism demonstrates that there is no permanent core behind our physical and mental experiences.
Q209. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Schools of Buddhism | Core Characteristics |
|---|---|
| A. Hinayana | i. Emphasizes Tantric rituals and magical mantras for salvation |
| B. Mahayana | ii. Uses Pali canon and is dominant in Sri Lanka today |
| C. Vajrayana | iii. Glorifies the ideal of the Bodhisattva and uses Sanskrit |
| D. Theravada | iv. Seeks individual salvation as an Arhat without idol worship |
Explanation
Buddhism evolved into several distinct schools over time. Hinayana focuses on individual salvation through the Arhat ideal without using idols. Mahayana introduces the Bodhisattva concept and utilizes Sanskrit for its texts. Vajrayana incorporates Tantric rituals and mantras for spiritual progress. Finally, Theravada remains the most traditional school, using the Pali canon and maintaining a dominant presence in countries like Sri Lanka.
Q210. Which of the following became the most distinguishing theological feature of Mahayana Buddhism compared to earlier schools?
Explanation
The most significant shift in Mahayana Buddhism was the deification of the Buddha. Unlike earlier schools that viewed him as a human teacher who showed the way to Nirvana, Mahayana began to worship him as a divine figure. This led to the creation of Buddha statues and the practice of idol worship, making the religion more accessible and devotional for the lay population.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 201 | (c) Right Desire (Samyak Kama) |
| 202 | (b) II only |
| 203 | (d) Rebirth is the continuity of consciousness driven by Karma, similar to a flame lighting another candle. |
| 204 | (b) The law of dependent origination or cause and effect |
| 205 | (a) II, IV, I, III |
| 206 | (d) The doctrine of universal impermanence |
| 207 | (b) II and III only |
| 208 | (b) Atman (Eternal Soul) |
| 209 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-i, D-ii |
| 210 | (a) The elevation of the Buddha to a deity and the practice of idol worship |
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.