Q231. Before establishing the independent Ajivika sect, Makkhali Gosala lived as a close companion and ascetic associate of which prominent religious leader for a period of six years?
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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Q232. Consider the following statements regarding the common social context of Buddhism, Jainism, and the Ajivikas in the 6th century BC:
I. They all opposed the rigid social hierarchy of the Varna system.
II. They universally promoted egalitarianism within their monastic orders (Sanghas).
III. They accepted the ritual slaughter of animals if performed by a qualified Brahmana.
IV. They deliberately utilized vernacular languages like Prakrit and Pali over Sanskrit.
V. They received their primary financial patronage exclusively from the Brahmana class.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. They all opposed the rigid social hierarchy of the Varna system.
II. They universally promoted egalitarianism within their monastic orders (Sanghas).
III. They accepted the ritual slaughter of animals if performed by a qualified Brahmana.
IV. They deliberately utilized vernacular languages like Prakrit and Pali over Sanskrit.
V. They received their primary financial patronage exclusively from the Brahmana class.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Buddhism, Jainism, and the Ajivikas shared a common opposition to the Varna system and emphasized egalitarianism within their communities. They also preferred using vernacular languages to communicate with the masses. However, they all strongly rejected animal sacrifices, which were central to Vedic rituals. Furthermore, their primary financial support came from the wealthy merchant and ruling classes rather than the priestly Brahmanas.
Q233. Which of the following provides the most appropriate explanation for the heavy patronage of Jainism and Buddhism by the wealthy Vaishya (merchant) community?
Explanation
The merchant community favored Buddhism and Jainism because these religions promoted non-violence, which fostered a more stable environment for trade. Additionally, their rejection of the rigid Varna hierarchy allowed the Vaishyas, who held significant economic power, to improve their social status. These religions also did not impose the Vedic restrictions on traveling over the seas, which was essential for the expansion of international commerce.
Q234. The deliberate use of Pali and Prakrit by early Buddhist and Jain preachers, as opposed to Vedic Sanskrit, primarily served which strategic purpose?
Explanation
The choice of Pali and Prakrit over the elite Sanskrit language was a deliberate strategy by heterodox preachers to reach a wider audience. By using the everyday dialects spoken by ordinary people, they made their ethical and philosophical teachings accessible to those marginalized by the Vedic system. This linguistic shift was a key factor in the rapid and widespread popularity of these new movements.
Q235. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Religious/Philosophical Sects | Key Philosophical Stance |
|---|---|
| A. Jainism | i. Pratityasamutpada (Dependent Origination) |
| B. Buddhism | ii. Anekantavada (Manifold Reality) |
| C. Ajivika | iii. Niyati (Absolute Determinism) |
| D. Charvaka | iv. Lokayata (Radical Materialism) |
Explanation
Each ancient Indian philosophical school is associated with a distinct core doctrine. Jainism is known for Anekantavada or the manifold nature of reality. Buddhism centers on Pratityasamutpada, the law of dependent origination. The Ajivika sect promoted Niyati, the belief in absolute determinism. Finally, the Charvaka school, also known as Lokayata, advocated a radical materialism that rejected any form of spiritual existence or afterlife.
Q236. The intense opposition to Vedic animal sacrifices by heterodox sects in the 6th century BC was not just a moral stance but a crucial economic necessity because:
Explanation
The opposition to animal sacrifice by heterodox sects was deeply rooted in the economic changes of the 6th century BC. As the Gangetic plains transitioned to an intensive iron-plough agricultural system, cattle became indispensable for labor. The frequent ritual slaughter of animals in Vedic ceremonies depleted this vital livestock wealth. Therefore, the religious emphasis on non-violence served to protect animals necessary for productivity.
Q237. Which of the following is considered a primary internal cause for the eventual decline of Buddhism in India?
Explanation
A major internal factor in the decline of Buddhism in India was the moral decay within the monastic order. Over time, many monasteries became excessively wealthy through royal and mercantile grants, leading to corruption and a departure from the original ideals of simplicity and discipline. This loss of spiritual integrity alienated the common people and weakened the foundation of the religion from within.
Q238. Consider the following statements regarding the decline of Buddhism in India:
I. Brahmanism assimilated Buddhist elements, notably declaring the Buddha as the 9th Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
II. Following the era of Harshavardhana and the Palas, Buddhism lost substantial royal patronage in India.
III. Early medieval Turkish invasions resulted in the destruction of grand Buddhist universities like Nalanda.
IV. Buddhism declined because its original Pali texts were mathematically proven incorrect by Gupta astronomers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Brahmanism assimilated Buddhist elements, notably declaring the Buddha as the 9th Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
II. Following the era of Harshavardhana and the Palas, Buddhism lost substantial royal patronage in India.
III. Early medieval Turkish invasions resulted in the destruction of grand Buddhist universities like Nalanda.
IV. Buddhism declined because its original Pali texts were mathematically proven incorrect by Gupta astronomers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The decline of Buddhism resulted from several factors, including its assimilation into Brahmanism, where the Buddha was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon. The loss of royal support after rulers like Harshavardhana and the Palas further weakened the institution. Finally, the destructive Turkish invasions targeted major centers of learning like Nalanda. Historical evidence does not support the claim that mathematical errors contributed.
Q239. Identify the correct statement regarding the role of the Bhakti movement and medieval Hindu philosophy in the decline of Indian Buddhism.
Explanation
The intellectual resurgence of Brahmanical Hinduism played a pivotal role in the decline of Buddhism. Philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya and Kumarila Bhatta engaged in public theological debates and successfully re-established the authority of the Vedas. Their sophisticated arguments systematically challenged Buddhist doctrines. By revitalizing Hindu thought, they reclaimed many followers who had previously been drawn to the heterodox sects in earlier centuries.
Q240. Which of the following was NOT a major reason for the decline of Buddhism in its homeland of India?
Explanation
While many factors contributed to the decline of Buddhism, the refusal to adopt Sanskrit was not one of them. In fact, Mahayana Buddhism eventually adopted Sanskrit for its scriptures, which actually created a linguistic gap between the monks and the common people. Other reasons included the rise of Tantric Vajrayana practices, urban decay, and the external threats posed by foreign invasions.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 231 | (d) Vardhamana Mahavira |
| 232 | (b) III and V only |
| 233 | (c) Their promotion of non-violence created safe trade environments, and their rejection of Varna elevated the status of Vaishyas. |
| 234 | (a) To make their ethical teachings easily accessible to the common masses and marginalized classes |
| 235 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv |
| 236 | (b) The newly expanding iron-plough agrarian economy heavily depended on the preservation of cattle wealth |
| 237 | (c) Rampant corruption, moral decay, and massive accumulation of wealth within the Buddhist monasteries |
| 238 | (c) I, II and III only |
| 239 | (a) Intellectual campaigns by thinkers like Adi Shankaracharya and Kumarila Bhatta successfully defeated Buddhist philosophy in theological debates. |
| 240 | (b) Its strict adherence to the Pali language exclusively until the 12th century AD, refusing to adopt Sanskrit at all. |
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.