Q211. In Mahayana Buddhism, a ‘Bodhisattva’ is fundamentally defined as:
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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Q212. Consider the following statements regarding Vajrayana Buddhism:
I. It emerged prominently around the 8th century AD in Eastern India.
II. It introduced the concept of mystical diagrams (Mandalas) and thunderbolt (Vajra) symbolism.
III. It strictly rejected the inclusion of female deities in its pantheon.
IV. The university of Vikramashila was a major center for its propagation.
V. It views the goddess Tara as a central figure of veneration.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. It emerged prominently around the 8th century AD in Eastern India.
II. It introduced the concept of mystical diagrams (Mandalas) and thunderbolt (Vajra) symbolism.
III. It strictly rejected the inclusion of female deities in its pantheon.
IV. The university of Vikramashila was a major center for its propagation.
V. It views the goddess Tara as a central figure of veneration.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Vajrayana Buddhism, which flourished in Eastern India, is noted for its use of Mandalas, mantras, and the Vajra symbol. It prominently features female deities, particularly Tara, who is worshipped as a source of protection and wisdom. Universities like Vikramashila were major centers for these esoteric teachings. Therefore, the claim that Vajrayana rejected the inclusion of female deities is historically false.
Q213. The Vajrayana school of Buddhism is most closely associated with the worship of which prominent female deity?
Explanation
The deity Tara holds a central position in the Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhist pantheon. She is often referred to as the Mother of Liberation and is venerated for her qualities of compassion and successful work. Her worship represents the integration of feminine energy into Buddhist practice. Tara is believed to protect devotees from various fears and obstacles on their path toward enlightenment.
Q214. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the options given below:
Assertion (A): The Fourth Buddhist Council resulted in the formal doctrinal division of Buddhism into the Hinayana and Mahayana sects.
Reason (R): The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the royal patronage of Emperor Ashoka.
Assertion (A): The Fourth Buddhist Council resulted in the formal doctrinal division of Buddhism into the Hinayana and Mahayana sects.
Reason (R): The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the royal patronage of Emperor Ashoka.
Explanation
The Fourth Buddhist Council was indeed the significant event where the formal split into Hinayana and Mahayana was recognized. However, this council took place in Kundalavana, Kashmir, under the patronage of the Kushana King Kanishka. It was the Third Council that was convened at Pataliputra by Emperor Ashoka. Maintaining the distinction between these councils and their royal patrons is essential.
Q215. Who among the following eminent monks presided over the First Buddhist Council held at Rajagriha shortly after the Buddha’s demise?
Explanation
The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha shortly after the Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. It was presided over by the senior monk Mahakashyapa. The primary objective of this gathering was to preserve the Buddha’s teachings. During this council, Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka or monastic rules, while Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka or discourses, ensuring the accurate oral transmission of the faith began.
Q216. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Buddhist Councils | Royal Patrons |
|---|---|
| A. First Buddhist Council | i. Ashoka |
| B. Second Buddhist Council | ii. Ajatashatru |
| C. Third Buddhist Council | iii. Kanishka |
| D. Fourth Buddhist Council | iv. Kalasoka |
Explanation
Four major Buddhist councils were held under different royal patrons to resolve doctrinal disputes and compile scriptures. The first was supported by Ajatashatru, the second by Kalasoka, the third by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and the fourth by Kanishka. These councils reflect the growing geographical reach of Buddhism and the continuous involvement of powerful monarchs in its organizational and doctrinal development.
Q217. Which specific Buddhist Council is credited with the final compilation of the philosophical canon known as the Abhidhamma Pitaka?
Explanation
The Third Buddhist Council, held at Pataliputra under Emperor Ashoka, is historically significant for the finalization of the Pali Canon. During this council, the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which contains the philosophical and psychological analysis of the Buddha’s teachings, was officially added to the Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas. This completed the Tripitaka, forming the foundational scriptural basis for the Theravada school of Buddhism.
Q218. Consider the following statements regarding the Second Buddhist Council:
I. It was held at Vaishali approximately 100 years after the Buddha’s death.
II. It resulted in the first major schism between the Sthaviravadins and the Mahasanghikas.
III. It was convened primarily to translate all Buddhist texts from Pali into Sanskrit.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It was held at Vaishali approximately 100 years after the Buddha’s death.
II. It resulted in the first major schism between the Sthaviravadins and the Mahasanghikas.
III. It was convened primarily to translate all Buddhist texts from Pali into Sanskrit.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Second Buddhist Council occurred at Vaishali a century after the Buddha’s death to address laxity in monastic discipline. This meeting led to the first major schism between the conservative Sthaviravadins and the more liberal Mahasanghikas. It was not convened to translate texts into Sanskrit; the transition to Sanskrit for Buddhist literature occurred much later, primarily with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism.
Q219. The Fourth Buddhist Council, which recognized the legitimacy of the Mahayana sect, was held at which of the following locations?
Explanation
The Fourth Buddhist Council was a landmark event held at Kundalavana in Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka. This council was instrumental in the systematic compilation of Buddhist commentaries known as Mahavibhashas. It also signaled the official acceptance and rise of the Mahayana sect. The location in the northwest reflects the northward expansion of Buddhism toward Central Asia and eventually toward China.
Q220. Which of the following texts was NOT compiled during the First Buddhist Council?
Explanation
The First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha focused on codifying the Buddha’s immediate teachings and the rules for the monastic community. This resulted in the Sutta Pitaka and the Vinaya Pitaka. The Abhidhamma Pitaka, which offers a more complex philosophical systematization of the doctrine, was not compiled until the Third Council held under Ashoka’s patronage, marking a later stage in Buddhist intellectual history.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 211 | (c) A compassionate being who delays personal Nirvana to help all sentient beings reach their final salvation. |
| 212 | (b) III only |
| 213 | (c) Tara |
| 214 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 215 | (d) Mahakashyapa |
| 216 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 217 | (c) Third Council |
| 218 | (a) I and II only |
| 219 | (d) Kundalavana (Kashmir) |
| 220 | (b) Abhidhamma Pitaka |
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.