Q451. If a dispute arose regarding the maintenance and water distribution of an irrigation tank in a Brahmadeya village during the Chola period, which specific administrative body would most likely adjudicate it?
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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Q452. Which of the following statements correctly highlights the historical significance of the Uttaramerur inscriptions issued during the reign of Parantaka I?
Explanation
The Uttaramerur inscriptions, issued during the reign of Parantaka I, are exceptionally important for understanding Chola local governance. They provide a detailed manual on how the village Sabha was organized, specifically outlining the strict qualifications required for candidates, the disqualification criteria, and the precise procedure for the lottery-based election of committee members. These records offer unique historical evidence of highly organized and participatory local administration in early medieval South India.
Q453. Consider the following statements regarding the specialized committees (Variyams) of the Chola Sabha:
I. The Totta-variyam was responsible for managing village gardens and orchards.
II. The Pon-variyam managed matters related to gold and local currency.
III. The Nyaya-variyam was specifically tasked with overseeing foreign maritime trade.
Which of the above combinations of statements is correct?
I. The Totta-variyam was responsible for managing village gardens and orchards.
II. The Pon-variyam managed matters related to gold and local currency.
III. The Nyaya-variyam was specifically tasked with overseeing foreign maritime trade.
Which of the above combinations of statements is correct?
Explanation
The Chola administrative system utilized specialized committees for efficient local management. The Totta-variyam oversaw gardens and orchards, while the Pon-variyam handled matters related to gold and local currency. These descriptions are accurate. However, the Nyaya-variyam was actually responsible for judicial matters and the administration of justice at the village level, rather than overseeing foreign maritime trade, which was typically the domain of powerful merchant guilds or the central government.
Q454. What was the specific name of the lottery-based election system used to select committee members for the village assemblies during the Chola period?
Explanation
The Cholas employed a unique and democratic lottery system called Kudavolai to select members for their village committees. Under this method, the names of eligible candidates were written on palm-leaf slips and placed into a pot (kuda). A young boy was then asked to draw the slips one by one to determine the winners. This system was designed to ensure fairness and prevent any single individual or family from monopolizing local political power.
Q455. According to the Uttaramerur inscriptions, which of the following was NOT a valid qualification to become a ward member of the village Sabha?
Explanation
According to the Uttaramerur inscriptions, candidates for the village Sabha had to meet several stringent requirements. They were required to own a certain amount of tax-paying land, possess a house on their own land, and demonstrate knowledge of sacred texts like the Vedas. The eligible age range was strictly defined as being between 35 and 70 years. Therefore, being above 75 years was a disqualification rather than a valid qualification for serving as a member.
Q456. Consider the following statements about the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur:
I. It is constructed almost entirely of interlocking granite blocks.
II. Its construction was completed around 1010 CE.
III. It features a massive monolithic sculpture of Nandi facing the main shrine.
IV. The main vimana (tower) rises to a height of about 216 feet.
V. It was commissioned by the Chola king Rajendra I.
Which of the above combination of statements is correct?
I. It is constructed almost entirely of interlocking granite blocks.
II. Its construction was completed around 1010 CE.
III. It features a massive monolithic sculpture of Nandi facing the main shrine.
IV. The main vimana (tower) rises to a height of about 216 feet.
V. It was commissioned by the Chola king Rajendra I.
Which of the above combination of statements is correct?
Explanation
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a marvel of engineering, built mostly of granite and completed in 1010 CE. It features a massive monolithic Nandi and a vimana that reaches a height of 216 feet. However, it was commissioned by Rajaraja I, the father, rather than Rajendra I, who built his own separate temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Therefore, the assertion that Rajendra I was the patron builder of the Thanjavur temple is historically incorrect.
Q457. In the context of Chola temple architecture, what does the term ‘Gopuram’ specifically refer to?
Explanation
In South Indian temple architecture, particularly during the Chola and later periods, the Gopuram refers to the towering entrance gateway located at the perimeter of the temple complex. These structures are often heavily ornamented with sculptures of deities and mythological scenes. While early temples like those at Thanjavur focused on a massive central vimana, the Gopurams became increasingly larger and more elaborate in the subsequent centuries, eventually dominating the temple’s external visual profile.
Q458. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur.
Explanation
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Rajarajeshwaram, is one of the most famous Shaivite shrines in India. The principal deity worshipped in its massive sanctum is Lord Shiva, represented by a giant stone lingam. While the temple displays a wide range of religious art, including Chola frescos and various sculptural reliefs, the primary dedication is to Shiva rather than Vishnu. This core religious identity is essential to the temple’s historical and architectural purpose.
Q459. Consider the following two statements:
Statement I: The Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur is widely regarded as the climax of the Dravida style of temple architecture.
Statement II: It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Great Living Chola Temples".
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur is widely regarded as the climax of the Dravida style of temple architecture.
Statement II: It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Great Living Chola Temples".
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur is widely celebrated as the pinnacle of the Dravida architectural style due to its massive scale and perfect proportions. It represents the height of Chola artistic and technical achievement. Recognizing its immense cultural value, UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site. It is part of the "Great Living Chola Temples" group, which also includes the significant shrines at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, all preserved as active religious centers.
Q460. The world-renowned Chola bronze sculptures were primarily cast using which of the following traditional metallurgical techniques?
Explanation
Chola bronze sculptures are world-famous for their grace and technical perfection. They were created using the Cire-perdue or lost-wax casting method. In this process, a detailed wax model is covered in clay and heated to melt the wax away, leaving a hollow mold. Molten bronze is then poured into the cavity to create a solid metal image. This sophisticated technique allowed Chola artisans to achieve a high level of intricate detail and fluid movement in their sculptures.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 451 | (c) The Eri-variyam |
| 452 | (b) Rules and qualifications for the election of members to the village Sabha |
| 453 | (b) Only I and II |
| 454 | (a) Kudavolai |
| 455 | (c) Being aged above 75 years. |
| 456 | (b) I, II, III, and IV |
| 457 | (d) The monumental, richly decorated entrance tower at the boundary wall. |
| 458 | (b) The principal deity enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum is Lord Vishnu. |
| 459 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true |
| 460 | (a) Cire-perdue or the lost-wax process |
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.