Q421. Select the correct chronological order of the evolution of Pallava temple architecture styles.
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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Q422. The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, a fine example of structural stone temple architecture, was constructed during the reign of which Pallava king?
Explanation
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is a landmark in South Indian architecture, representing one of the earliest examples of freestanding structural stone temples. It was constructed under the patronage of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, popularly known as Rajasimha. Unlike earlier rock-cut structures, this temple was built using blocks of granite, signifying a major technological advancement in the transition from excavating caves to building masonry shrines.
Q423. Consider the following statements regarding the Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram:
I. They are monolithic structures carved out of single boulders of granite.
II. The Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest among the five rathas.
III. They were excavated under the direct patronage of Mahendravarman I.
Which of the above combinations of statements is correct?
I. They are monolithic structures carved out of single boulders of granite.
II. The Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest among the five rathas.
III. They were excavated under the direct patronage of Mahendravarman I.
Which of the above combinations of statements is correct?
Explanation
The Pancha Rathas are iconic monolithic structures at Mahabalipuram, each carved from a single massive granite boulder to resemble processional chariots. Among these, the Dharmaraja Ratha is the tallest and most complex. Although Mahabalipuram was developed as a port by Narasimhavarman I, these specific monolithic temples were commissioned during his reign rather than Mahendravarman I’s, who primarily focused on excavating simpler rock-cut cave temples.
Q424. In the context of the Mamalla style of Pallava architecture, what does the term ‘Mandapa’ primarily refer to?
Explanation
In the context of the Mamalla style of architecture developed under Narasimhavarman I, a mandapa refers to an open-fronted, rock-cut cave temple. These structures are distinguished by their shallow pillared halls and walls decorated with magnificent relief sculptures depicting various mythological themes. Unlike the monolithic rathas or later structural temples, these mandapas represent a refined stage of rock excavation where artistic focus was on internal wall carvings.
Q425. Consider the following two statements about the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram:
Statement I: It is primarily an example of a monolithic rock-cut cave temple.
Statement II: The complex houses separate shrines dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: It is primarily an example of a monolithic rock-cut cave temple.
Statement II: The complex houses separate shrines dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Shore Temple is a structural masonry building rather than a rock-cut cave temple, which makes the first assertion incorrect. It is a complex comprising three distinct shrines, two of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, while the third houses a reclining image of Lord Vishnu. This multi-deity layout reflects the religious pluralism of the Pallava period and the sophisticated planning inherent in Rajasimha-style architecture.
Q426. The famous Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram, marking a high point in Pallava architectural achievement, was commissioned by?
Explanation
The Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram is a masterpiece of Pallava structural architecture, commissioned by Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, in the eighth century. Built predominantly of sandstone, it features a towering pyramidal vimana and is surrounded by an enclosure wall containing fifty-eight small shrines. This temple is considered the culmination of the Rajasimha style and served as a prototype for subsequent Dravidian temple designs.
Q427. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below.
| Temple | Patron Builder |
|---|---|
| A. Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram | i. Rajaraja I |
| B. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur | ii. Nandivarman II |
| C. Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram | iii. Narasimhavarman I |
| D. Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram | iv. Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) |
Explanation
Famous South Indian temples were built by various prominent monarchs. Narasimhavarman II commissioned the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram, while the great Chola king Rajaraja I built the massive Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Nandivarman II was responsible for the Vaikunta Perumal Temple, noted for its historical sculptures. Lastly, the monolithic Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram are associated with the patronage of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I.
Q428. Which of the following statements correctly identifies a key feature of the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram?
Explanation
The Kailasanatha Temple is a premier example of structural masonry, moving away from rock-cut excavations. It was built using sandstone and features a multi-tiered pyramidal vimana that became a standard element of Dravidian architecture. The temple is renowned for its rhythmic arrangement of sub-shrines and its extensive relief carvings. It represents the most developed stage of Pallava artistic achievement before the transition to later dynasties.
Q429. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram significantly influenced the design of the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora.
Reason (R): The Rashtrakuta king Krishna I brought architects and sculptors from Kanchipuram following successful campaigns in the Pallava territory.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram significantly influenced the design of the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora.
Reason (R): The Rashtrakuta king Krishna I brought architects and sculptors from Kanchipuram following successful campaigns in the Pallava territory.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation
The architectural design of the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram exerted a profound influence on the rock-cut Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora. Following successful military campaigns against the Pallavas, Rashtrakuta monarchs like Krishna I were impressed by the structural grandeur of Kanchipuram’s shrines. Consequently, they brought skilled architects and sculptors back to the Deccan to replicate and adapt these sophisticated southern styles into their own monumental projects.
Q430. Which of the following is NOT a prominent characteristic of the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram?
Explanation
The Kailasanatha Temple is characterized by structural sandstone construction and features a prominent pyramidal vimana. It is also famous for its rampant lion pilasters, which are a signature element of Rajasimha-style architecture. Additionally, the temple complex includes an enclosure wall with numerous minor sub-shrines. However, white marble was not used in its construction; sandstone was the primary material employed for both the sanctum and the outer carvings.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 421 | (a) Mahendra style, Mamalla style, Rajasimha style, Nandivarman style |
| 422 | (d) Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) |
| 423 | (a) Only I and II |
| 424 | (c) An open rock-cut cave with pillared halls and sculpted panels |
| 425 | (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true |
| 426 | (d) Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) |
| 427 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
| 428 | (c) It is a structural temple built primarily of sandstone, representing the climax of early Dravidian style. |
| 429 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 430 | (a) The exclusive use of white marble for the main deity’s sanctum. |
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.