Q291. The Kushana dynasty originally belonged to which nomadic tribe from Central Asia?
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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Q292. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the early Kushana rulers.
Explanation
The early Kushana rulers, beginning with Kujula Kadphises, established their power in the North-West. Vima Kadphises was notable for introducing a massive gold coinage system. While their initial coins showed significant Hellenistic influence, they were not exclusive to Greek motifs. For instance, Vima Kadphises’ coins prominently featured Indian religious imagery, such as the depiction of Lord Shiva and his bull Nandi, reflecting the early and rapid Indianization of the dynasty’s cultural identity.
Q293. Match List-I (Kushana Ruler) with List-II (Numismatic/Historical significance).
| Kushana Ruler | Numismatic/Historical significance |
|---|---|
| A. Kujula Kadphises | i. Issued copper coins and took the title ‘Dharmathida’ |
| B. Vima Kadphises | ii. Depicted Lord Shiva with Nandi on his gold coins |
| C. Kanishka | iii. Initiated the Saka Era in 78 CE |
| D. Vasudeva | iv. The last great Kushana king, reflecting total Indianization of the dynasty |
Explanation
Kushana monarchs are distinguished by their specific historical contributions. Kujula Kadphises founded the dynasty, issuing copper coins. Vima Kadphises is famous for his gold coinage featuring Shiva. Kanishka is traditionally credited with starting the Saka Era in 78 CE and being a great patron of Buddhism. Vasudeva, the last prominent ruler, bore a purely Indian name, signifying the deep cultural assimilation of the dynasty into Indian society.
Q294. Which of the following geographic regions was definitely NOT under the political control of the Kushana Empire at its zenith?
Explanation
At its peak, the Kushana Empire was a vast transcontinental power covering Bactria, Gandhara, and much of Northern India, including Mathura. However, its political authority did not extend to Tamilakam, the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. That region remained under the independent control of the Sangam dynasties--the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. The Kushana influence in the South was limited to indirect commercial ties rather than direct political or military administration.
Q295. Consider the following statements regarding the Kushana Empire:
I. Mathura served as their second capital and a major center of art.
II. They derived immense wealth from controlling the Asian Silk Route.
III. Their gold coins were known for having higher purity than Gupta gold coins.
IV. Kanishka strictly persecuted all religions other than Buddhism.
V. The empire encompassed territories spanning five modern nations.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. Mathura served as their second capital and a major center of art.
II. They derived immense wealth from controlling the Asian Silk Route.
III. Their gold coins were known for having higher purity than Gupta gold coins.
IV. Kanishka strictly persecuted all religions other than Buddhism.
V. The empire encompassed territories spanning five modern nations.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Kushana Empire flourished by controlling the Silk Route and maintaining two capitals at Purushapura and Mathura. Their gold coins were renowned for their high quality and purity. However, the claim that Kanishka persecuted non-Buddhist religions is incorrect. Like many Kushana rulers, Kanishka was noted for his religious eclecticism and tolerance, as evidenced by his coins which depict a diverse array of Greek, Persian, and Indian deities alongside Buddhist symbols.
Q296. The commencement of the Saka Era, widely attributed to the accession of Kanishka, corresponds to which year?
Explanation
The Saka Era, which is still used in the official Indian national calendar, is traditionally believed to have commenced in 78 CE. Most historians associate this date with the accession of the great Kushana emperor Kanishka to the throne. This era marked a period of significant political stability and cultural achievement in Northern India and Central Asia, serving as a vital chronological marker for dating various historical events.
Q297. The capital city of Kanishka, which he transformed into a great center of learning and trade, was:
Explanation
Kanishka established his primary capital at Purushapura, known today as Peshawar. Under his patronage, the city became a magnificent center for international trade and Buddhist learning. He famously constructed a giant stupa and a monastery there, which attracted pilgrims and scholars from across Asia. The strategic location of Purushapura allowed the Kushanas to effectively manage their territories spanning from Central Asia to the Gangetic plains in Northern India.
Q298. Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of prominent foreign groups that invaded north-western India in the post- Mauryan period?
Explanation
After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, North- Western India witnessed a series of foreign incursions. The Indo-Greeks were the first to establish kingdoms, famously under rulers like Menander. They were followed by the Sakas (Scythians), who migrated from Central Asia. Subsequently, the Parthians (Pahlavas) gained control over certain regions. Finally, the Kushanas arrived, eventually unifying these disparate territories into a powerful empire that reached its zenith under Kanishka.
Q299. What was the primary economic effect of the Kushana control over the regions encompassing the Silk Route?
Explanation
Kushana control over the vital land routes connecting China with the Roman Empire significantly boosted India’s economy. By taxing the transit trade and participating in commerce, the empire saw a massive influx of gold, much of it from Rome. This wealth facilitated the issuance of high-quality gold coinage and supported the growth of prosperous urban centers and trade guilds. The resulting economic stability fostered a flourishing environment for culture.
Q300. Which statement is correct regarding Kanishka’s patronage of Buddhism?
Explanation
Kanishka was a fervent patron of Buddhism and is best known for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana in Kashmir. Under the leadership of Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha, the council aimed to resolve sectarian differences and systematize Buddhist doctrines. A significant outcome was the composition of extensive commentaries and the increasing use of Sanskrit for Buddhist literature, which facilitated the spread of Mahayana Buddhism across Asia.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 291 | (c) Yuezhi |
| 292 | (d) The early Kushanas issued coins exclusively imitating Greek deities with no Indian influence. |
| 293 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 294 | (b) Tamilakam |
| 295 | (b) IV only |
| 296 | (a) 78 CE |
| 297 | (c) Purushapura (Peshawar) |
| 298 | (b) Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushanas |
| 299 | (d) Influx of gold and establishment of prosperous urban centers in North India. |
| 300 | (b) He held the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir to codify texts in Sanskrit. |
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.