Q331. Which of the following events was not a part of Harsha’s military campaigns?
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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Q332. Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of the rulers of the Pushyabhuti dynasty?
Explanation
The Pushyabhuti dynasty rose to prominence in Thanesar. Adityavardhana was an early ruler, followed by the powerful Prabhakaravardhana, who assumed imperial titles. After his death, his elder son Rajyavardhana ascended the throne but was soon killed by Sasanka. Harshavardhana then took over, eventually shifting the capital to Kannauj and establishing a vast empire across most of northern India.
Q333. Which of the following statements is a factual representation of the grand assemblies organized by Harshavardhana?
Explanation
Harshavardhana organized grand religious assemblies to demonstrate his patronage and discuss theological matters. The Kannauj assembly was specifically held to honor the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang and to promote the Mahayana school of Buddhism. These events were attended by various kings, scholars, and monks, highlighting Harsha’s religious tolerance and his role as a great patron of learning and Buddhist philosophy.
Q334. Consider the following statements regarding the administration and economy during Harsha’s reign:
I. The empire was divided into Bhuktis, Vishayas, and Gramas.
II. Land revenue was the principal source of state income, usually charged at one-sixth of the produce.
III. Harsha established a highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus completely devoid of feudal elements.
IV. High-ranking officers and state officials were frequently paid through land grants rather than cash salaries.
V. The period witnessed a dramatic decline in the use of coins for regular commercial transactions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The empire was divided into Bhuktis, Vishayas, and Gramas.
II. Land revenue was the principal source of state income, usually charged at one-sixth of the produce.
III. Harsha established a highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus completely devoid of feudal elements.
IV. High-ranking officers and state officials were frequently paid through land grants rather than cash salaries.
V. The period witnessed a dramatic decline in the use of coins for regular commercial transactions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Harsha’s administration maintained the traditional divisions of Bhuktis and Gramas, with land revenue as the primary income. However, it was not a highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus. Instead, it was characterized by growing feudal elements, where high-ranking officials were often compensated with land grants. This decentralization meant that the state relied heavily on the loyalty and military support of subordinate feudal lords.
Q335. Which of the following regional dynasties established themselves in Saurashtra with their capital at Valabhi during the decline of the Gupta Empire?
Explanation
As the Gupta Empire declined, several regional powers emerged. The Maitrakas established themselves in the Saurashtra region with their capital at Valabhi. They became a significant political and cultural force, and Valabhi evolved into a renowned center of learning. Although they initially served as subordinates to the Guptas, they eventually declared independence and maintained power for several centuries.
Q336. The matrimonial alliance established by Chandragupta I with which powerful clan greatly elevated the political status of the early Guptas?
Explanation
The early political rise of the Gupta dynasty was significantly bolstered by the marriage of Chandragupta I to the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi. The Lichchhavis were a powerful and prestigious clan ruling from Vaishali. This matrimonial alliance provided the Guptas with the necessary legitimacy and territorial support to expand their influence and eventually establish an imperial presence in northern India.
Q337. Match List-I (Policy of Samudragupta) with
List-II (Region/Rulers affected) based on the Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
List I: Policy of Samudragupta
A. Prasabhoddharana (Violent extermination)
B. Grahana-Mokshanugraha (Capture and release)
C. Sarvakaradana (Paying all tributes)
D. Kanyopayanadana (Offering of maidens)
List II: Region/Rulers affected
i. Frontier states like Kamarupa and Nepal
ii. Foreign rulers like Daivaputra Shahi Shahanushahi
iii. Rulers of Dakshinapatha (South India)
iv. Rulers of Aryavarta (North India)
Which of the following matches is correct?
List-II (Region/Rulers affected) based on the Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
List I: Policy of Samudragupta
A. Prasabhoddharana (Violent extermination)
B. Grahana-Mokshanugraha (Capture and release)
C. Sarvakaradana (Paying all tributes)
D. Kanyopayanadana (Offering of maidens)
List II: Region/Rulers affected
i. Frontier states like Kamarupa and Nepal
ii. Foreign rulers like Daivaputra Shahi Shahanushahi
iii. Rulers of Dakshinapatha (South India)
iv. Rulers of Aryavarta (North India)
Which of the following matches is correct?
Explanation
Samudragupta followed distinct policies for different regions. In Aryavarta, he practiced "violent extermination" to incorporate territories directly. For Dakshinapatha rulers, he adopted "capture and release," allowing them to rule as subordinates. Frontier states were required to pay tributes, while foreign powers like the Kushanas offered maidens. These strategic policies ensured the stability and wide reach of the growing Gupta Empire.
Q338. Which statement correctly identifies the outcome of Chandragupta II’s matrimonial alliances?
Explanation
Chandragupta II strategically used matrimonial alliances to consolidate his power. By marrying his daughter Prabhavatigupta to the Vakataka king Rudrasena II, he secured a vital ally in the Deccan. This alliance was instrumental during his campaign against the Saka Kshatrapas of western India, as it provided protection for his southern flank and facilitated the annexation of Gujarat and Malwa.
Q339. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Fa Hien’s travelogue provides extremely limited information about the political history and the ruling emperor of the Gupta Empire.
Reason (R): Fa Hien was primarily a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim whose main objective was to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites and collect authentic Vinaya Pitaka texts.
Which of the following is correct?
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Fa Hien’s travelogue provides extremely limited information about the political history and the ruling emperor of the Gupta Empire.
Reason (R): Fa Hien was primarily a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim whose main objective was to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites and collect authentic Vinaya Pitaka texts.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Fa Hien’s primary mission in India was religious, as he sought to collect authentic Buddhist scriptures and visit holy sites. Consequently, his travelogue provides very little information regarding the contemporary political history or the specific identity of the ruling emperor. His accounts focus on social conditions and Buddhist practices, making the religious objective the direct cause for the political omissions.
Q340. In the administrative system of the Gupta Empire, the ‘Pustapala’ functioned primarily as the:
Explanation
The Gupta administration was meticulous in its record-keeping, especially regarding land ownership and revenue. The Pustapala was the official designated as the keeper of records at the district level. Their primary responsibility was to maintain the registers of land transactions and ownership, ensuring that all transfers were properly documented to prevent disputes and facilitate the accurate collection of land taxes.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 331 | (d) The decisive victory over the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II at the Narmada |
| 332 | (b) Adityavardhana, Prabhakaravardhana, Rajyavardhana, Harshavardhana |
| 333 | (c) The Kannauj assembly honored Xuanzang and promoted Mahayana Buddhism. |
| 334 | (b) III only |
| 335 | (a) The Maitrakas |
| 336 | (b) The Lichchhavis |
| 337 | (b) A-iv, B-iii, C-i, D-ii |
| 338 | (a) He married his daughter Prabhavatigupta to the Vakataka king Rudrasena II. |
| 339 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 340 | (d) A record-keeper for land transaction registers |
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.