Q361. Xuanzang noted that the penal system during Harsha’s reign was characterized by:
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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Q362. Find the odd one out among the following kingdoms that emerged immediately after the decline of the Gupta Empire in North India:
Explanation
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, North India saw the rise of several regional dynasties like the Maukharis of Kannauj, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, and the Later Guptas of Magadha. However, the Cholas of Thanjavur were a southern Indian power that rose to prominence much later, during the ninth century. They were not part of the immediate political landscape of northern India.
Q363. Which of the following does not represent a feature of the social conditions as documented by Xuanzang in the 7th century?
Explanation
Xuanzang’s accounts of the seventh century describe a society strictly divided by the varna system, where Brahmanas and Kshatriyas held high status. He noted dietary restrictions and a general emphasis on purity. However, he did not state that inter-caste marriages were celebrated or formed the basis of royal alliances. On the contrary, social rules regarding marriage were becoming increasingly rigid and restricted to within castes.
Q364. Consider the following statements regarding the political condition following the decline of Harsha’s empire:
I. North India experienced long periods of stability under a unified central authority based in Pataliputra.
II. A tripartite struggle eventually emerged for the control of Kannauj involving the Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas.
III. Feudalism became more entrenched as regional lords asserted their independence.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. North India experienced long periods of stability under a unified central authority based in Pataliputra.
II. A tripartite struggle eventually emerged for the control of Kannauj involving the Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas.
III. Feudalism became more entrenched as regional lords asserted their independence.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The death of Harsha led to significant political fragmentation in North India. Without a strong central authority, regional lords became more independent, further entrenching feudalism. This eventually culminated in the famous Tripartite Struggle, where the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas competed fiercely for nearly two centuries to gain control over the strategic city of Kannauj, the symbol of imperial power.
Q365. Which of the following provides the best explanation for the shift from gold coins to copper and cowrie shells in everyday transactions during the post-Gupta period?
Explanation
The transition from high-value gold coins to copper and cowrie shells for daily transactions in the post-Gupta period was largely due to economic changes. Long-distance maritime and overland trade had declined, leading to the rise of self-sufficient village economies. This reduced the need for a highly monetized exchange system, as local needs were increasingly met through barter or low-value currency within decentralized regions.
Q366. According to standard historical consensus, the Gupta Era commenced in which of the following years, coinciding with the accession of Chandragupta I?
Explanation
Historians generally agree that the Gupta Era began in 319-320 CE. This date is associated with the coronation of Chandragupta I, who was the first truly significant ruler of the dynasty. By assuming the title of Maharajadhiraja, he established the foundations of the Gupta Empire, and this era remained the standard chronological reckoning for centuries across northern and central India.
Q367. Match List-I (Gupta Official) with List-II (Department/Function):
Which of the following matches is correct?
| Gupta Official | Department/Function |
|---|---|
| A. Sandhivigrahika | i. Chief Judicial Officer / Chief of Police |
| B. Kumaramatya | ii. Minister of Peace and War |
| C. Mahadandanayaka | iii. Head of the royal treasury |
| D. Bhandagaradhikrita | iv. High-ranking administrative official |
Explanation
The Gupta administrative machine utilized specialized officials for various tasks. The Sandhivigrahika managed external relations as the minister of peace and war. Kumaramatyas were high-ranking administrative officers often serving as provincial heads. The Mahadandanayaka acted as the chief judicial or police officer, while the Bhandagaradhikrita was responsible for the royal treasury. This structured hierarchy ensured the smooth functioning of the vast imperial administration.
Q368. In the context of Gupta revenue administration, the term ‘Bhaga’ is defined as:
Explanation
In the Gupta revenue system, ‘Bhaga’ was the most important agricultural tax. It represented the customary share of the produce that the king was entitled to receive from every farmer. Usually fixed at one-sixth of the total crop, it was the primary source of state income. This tax reflected the sovereign’s claim over the land and was essential for maintaining the imperial court and military.
Q369. Consider the following statements regarding Fa Hien’s observations:
I. He found the people in the Middle Kingdom to be prosperous and happy.
II. He recorded that the kings governed without corporal punishment, relying mostly on fines.
III. He mentioned that the administration required individuals to register their households for mandatory military conscription.
IV. He observed that respectable people generally avoided consuming meat or intoxicating liquors.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He found the people in the Middle Kingdom to be prosperous and happy.
II. He recorded that the kings governed without corporal punishment, relying mostly on fines.
III. He mentioned that the administration required individuals to register their households for mandatory military conscription.
IV. He observed that respectable people generally avoided consuming meat or intoxicating liquors.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Fa Hien’s account of the Middle Kingdom paints a picture of a peaceful and prosperous society. He noted that the government was mild, relying primarily on fines rather than corporal punishment. He also observed that the people were generally vegetarian and avoided alcohol. However, he did not mention any system of mandatory military conscription or household registration, which were not features he emphasized in his writings.
Q370. Identify the incorrect pair regarding regions and their notable post-Gupta ruling dynasties:
Explanation
After the Guptas, several dynasties rose in specific regions. The Pushyabhutis ruled Thanesar, the Varmans were in Kamarupa, and the Maukharis controlled Kannauj. However, the Kadambas were a dynasty that ruled in the Karnataka region of South India. The city of Valabhi in the Saurashtra region was actually the capital of the Maitraka dynasty, which was a prominent power in western India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 361 | (c) Trial by ordeal and severe punishments for treason against the king |
| 362 | (a) The Cholas of Thanjavur |
| 363 | (d) Celebrated inter-caste marriages forming the basis of royal alliances. |
| 364 | (b) II and III only |
| 365 | (c) Declining long-distance trade and the rise of self-sufficient village economies |
| 366 | (b) 319-320 CE |
| 367 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 368 | (b) The customary king’s share of the agricultural produce, usually one-sixth |
| 369 | (b) I, II and IV |
| 370 | (a) Valabhi - Kadambas |
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.