Q381. Who among the following was the founder of the Gupta dynasty, although he did not assume the imperial title of Maharajadhiraja?
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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Q382. Which of the following provides the correct sequence of the categories of Samudragupta’s military campaigns as generally reconstructed from the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
Explanation
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription systematically records Samudragupta’s military progress. He first consolidated his power in Aryavarta (North India), then moved to conquer the Dakshinapatha (South India) rulers. Following this, he subdued various forest tribes and exacted tribute from frontier states like Nepal and Kamarupa. Finally, he established diplomatic and political relations with distant foreign powers, including the Kushanas and the rulers of Sri Lanka.
Q383. Identify the odd one out concerning the prominent educational centers in the Gupta and post-Gupta era:
Explanation
During the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, Nalanda, Valabhi, and later Vikramashila emerged as world-renowned centers of higher learning and Buddhist philosophy. These universities attracted students from across Asia. Lothal, however, was a major port city belonging to the much older Indus Valley Civilization. By the Gupta era, it had long ceased to be a significant urban or educational center, making it the odd one out.
Q384. Consider the following statements regarding the decentralized features of Gupta administration:
I. The administrative control over provinces and districts was absolute, with village councils having no autonomy.
II. Local administrative boards included representatives of merchant and artisan guilds, showing a sharing of power.
III. The increasing practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and temples created autonomous administrative pockets.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The administrative control over provinces and districts was absolute, with village councils having no autonomy.
II. Local administrative boards included representatives of merchant and artisan guilds, showing a sharing of power.
III. The increasing practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and temples created autonomous administrative pockets.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Gupta administration was notably decentralized. Local administrative boards in cities and districts often included representatives from merchant and artisan guilds, allowing for community participation in governance. Furthermore, the increasing practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and temples (Agraharas) created autonomous pockets where the central government had limited authority. These features provided a degree of local autonomy while gradually weakening the overall central control of the empire.
Q385. The term ‘Shreni’ in the context of the Gupta economy strictly refers to:
Explanation
In the Gupta economy, the term ‘Shreni’ refers to a guild. These were professional organizations of merchants or artisans belonging to a specific trade. Shrenis were highly organized and possessed their own rules, judicial powers over members, and even their own seals and banners. They played a vital role in manufacturing, trade, and banking, often receiving large endowments and acting as trustees for religious grants.
Q386. Identify the incorrect pair regarding post-Gupta literature:
Explanation
Bhavabhuti was a celebrated Sanskrit dramatist known for works like Malatimadhava and Uttararamacharita. However, Surya Siddhanta is a foundational astronomical treatise, not a literary work by Bhavabhuti. Its authorship is traditionally attributed to mythical origins or various astronomers who revised it over centuries. The other pairs, like Banabhatta with Kadambari and Harsha with Ratnavali, are correctly matched literary associations from the post-Gupta period.
Q387. Match List-I (Text) with List-II (Author) regarding ancient Indian sciences:
Which of the following matches is correct?
| Text | Author |
|---|---|
| A. Brihat Samhita | i. Brahmagupta |
| B. Brahmasphutasiddhanta | ii. Bhaskaracharya |
| C. Sushruta Samhita | iii. Varahamihira |
| D. Lilavati | iv. Sushruta |
Explanation
Ancient Indian scientific literature was highly advanced. Varahamihira authored the encyclopedic Brihat Samhita. Brahmagupta wrote the Brahmasphutasiddhanta, introducing profound concepts in algebra. Sushruta is the legendary father of Indian surgery, whose Samhita remains a medical classic. Bhaskaracharya, though later, is famous for Lilavati, a masterpiece on mathematics. These scholars collectively established India as a leading center of scientific and mathematical knowledge in the ancient world.
Q388. In Gupta literature and administration, what is the meaning of the term ‘Vishti’?
Explanation
In the social and economic system of the Gupta period, ‘Vishti’ referred to the practice of forced labor. The state or local landlords could demand labor from the common people, especially villagers, for various public works or personal services without providing any payment. This became a common feature of the rural economy and is often cited as an indicator of the growing feudalization of society during this era.
Q389. Consider the following statements regarding the Huna invasions and the decline of the Guptas:
I. The Hunas were a nomadic group from Central Asia who pushed into India via the northwest.
II. Skandagupta was completely defeated by the Hunas in his first encounter, losing Pataliputra.
III. Mihirakula, a prominent Huna king, is historically noted for his patronage of Buddhism.
IV. The prolonged resistance against the Hunas severely depleted the financial resources of the Gupta Empire.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Hunas were a nomadic group from Central Asia who pushed into India via the northwest.
II. Skandagupta was completely defeated by the Hunas in his first encounter, losing Pataliputra.
III. Mihirakula, a prominent Huna king, is historically noted for his patronage of Buddhism.
IV. The prolonged resistance against the Hunas severely depleted the financial resources of the Gupta Empire.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Hunas were Central Asian nomads whose incursions into India via the northwest caused significant instability. While Skandagupta successfully repelled their initial attacks, the prolonged military effort severely drained the empire’s financial resources. Mihirakula, a prominent Huna king, was actually known for persecuting Buddhists rather than patronizing them. The combined impact of these wars and economic strain directly contributed to the eventual collapse of Gupta imperial authority.
Q390. Which of the following correctly describes the contribution of Kalidasa to Sanskrit literature?
Explanation
Kalidasa is regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist of the Gupta age. He mastered the kavya style, characterized by sophisticated language and rich imagery. His masterpieces, such as the play Abhijnanashakuntalam and the lyrical poem Meghaduta, explored themes of nature, love, and mythology. His work set the standard for classical Sanskrit literature and remains a vital part of India’s cultural and literary heritage.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 381 | (c) Sri Gupta |
| 382 | (a) Campaigns in Aryavarta, Campaigns in Dakshinapatha, Conquest of forest tribes, Subjugation of frontier states, Relations with foreign powers |
| 383 | (a) Lothal |
| 384 | (b) II and III only |
| 385 | (b) A guild of merchants or artisans of a particular trade |
| 386 | (a) Bhavabhuti - Surya Siddhanta |
| 387 | (c) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 388 | (d) Forced labor exacted by the state or landlords |
| 389 | (a) I and IV |
| 390 | (b) He elevated the kavya style of poetry and wrote masterpieces like Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta. |
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.