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.
Showing 521–530 of 615 questions
Browse Ancient Indian History chapters
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q521. Read the following statements regarding scientific knowledge found in Vedic and post- Vedic texts: I. The Atharvaveda contains hymns related to diseases and their cures, reflecting early medical knowledge. II. The Vedanga Jyotisha is one of the earliest Indian texts devoted specifically to astronomy. III. The Rigveda contains explicit, advanced trigonometric formulas used for navigation. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Vedic and post-Vedic texts reflect the early foundations of Indian science.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q522. Read the following statements regarding the Mathura and Gandhara schools of art: Statement I: The Mathura school relied heavily on grey sandstone and focused on realistic musculature. Statement II: The Gandhara school predominantly used spotted red sandstone and depicted spiritual serenity. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Mathura and Gandhara schools represent distinct regional artistic developments in ancient India. Mathura relied on indigenous red sandstone to create spiritual images, while Gandhara employed grey schist to depict Buddha with realistic Greco-Roman features. Because the descriptions of their material usage and stylistic focus were swapped in the statements, both are considered factually inaccurate representations of these schools.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q523. Which of the following features concerning ancient Indian metallurgy is correctly matched?
Explanation
Ancient Indian metallurgy is celebrated for several unique achievements. Wootz steel was a high-quality crucible steel produced in southern India, famous for its distinct wavy patterns and strength. Other accomplishments include the forged Iron Pillar of Delhi and the hollow-cast bronze Sultanganj Buddha. However, the mention of native aluminum extraction is historically incorrect, as aluminum was not isolated until modern times.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q524. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option. Assertion (A): Nalanda emerged as an internationally renowned center of learning during the post-Gupta period. Reason (R): It received extensive patronage from the rulers of the Pala dynasty and foreign kings like Balaputradeva of Srivijaya.
Explanation
Nalanda was a premier international university that reached its peak long after the Gupta period. Its global reputation for scholarship attracted students from all over Asia. This prominence was maintained through the sustained patronage of the Pala kings and diplomatic links with foreign rulers, such as the King of Srivijaya, who endowed monasteries to support students studying at the institution.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q525. A modern civil engineer studying ancient construction techniques observes that ancient Indian architects utilised proportional geometry and precise directional alignments. This application of mathematical concepts in early India was primarily codified in which texts?
Explanation
Proportional geometry and precise directional alignments in ancient India were codified in the Sulba Sutras. These texts provided the mathematical and geometric foundations required for constructing Vedic sacrificial altars. By outlining rules for transforming shapes while maintaining area, these sutras established the early principles of Indian geometry and influenced the mathematical rigor applied to later temple architecture and town planning.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q526. Read the following statements regarding ancient Indian universities: I. Takshashila was known as a great center for the study of medicine, military science, and law. II. Chanakya is believed to have taught at Takshashila. III. Nalanda was exclusively devoted to the study of Hinayana Buddhism. IV. Vikramshila was established by Dharmapala to rival Nalanda. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Ancient universities in India like Takshashila and Vikramshila served as specialized centers for diverse subjects ranging from medicine to military science. While Nalanda was a premier institution for Mahayana Buddhist studies, it was not restricted to Hinayana Buddhism. It provided a comprehensive curriculum including secular subjects and various Buddhist schools, attracting global scholars through its rigorous and inclusive academic environment.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q527. What was the most significant effect of the compilation of the Charaka Samhita on the practice of medicine in ancient India?
Explanation
The compilation of the Charaka Samhita was a transformative event for Indian medicine because it organized medical knowledge into a rational and scientific framework. It categorized Ayurveda into eight distinct branches, covering internal medicine, pediatrics, and toxicology among others. This systematic approach moved the practice away from purely ritualistic healing toward a more observation-based system focused on diagnosis and herbal treatment.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q528. In the context of ancient Indian temple architecture, the "Garbhagriha" is defined as:
Explanation
In the design of an ancient Indian temple, the Garbhagriha is the most sacred and central space. The term literally translates to "womb-chamber," representing the small, windowless, and often unadorned inner sanctum where the main idol or symbol of the deity is placed. This area is designed to focus the devotee’s attention and energy on the divine presence within.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q529. Match the items in List I with the items in List II to identify the correct fields of scientific expertise. List I: (Scholars of Ancient India) A. Brahmagupta B. Palakapya C. Salihotra D. Susruta List II: (Primary Field of Scientific Expertise) i. Veterinary science (horses) ii. Mathematics and Astronomy iii. Surgery iv. Veterinary science (elephants)
Explanation
Scholars in ancient India specialized in diverse scientific fields, producing foundational texts. Brahmagupta was a master of mathematics and astronomy. In the realm of veterinary science, Palakapya authored works on the medical care of elephants, while Salihotra specialized in the health and treatment of horses. Sushruta remains the most celebrated figure for his pioneering contributions to the field of surgery.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Ancient Indian Art, Architecture and Science
Q530. The mural paintings of Ajanta represent the pinnacle of ancient Indian artistic achievement. During which dynasty did the later, more extensive phase of painting at Ajanta primarily occur?
Explanation
The development of the Ajanta caves occurred in two distinct chronological phases. The later and more prolific phase, which includes the majority of the stunning mural paintings and elaborate Mahayana excavations, took place during the fifth and sixth centuries CE. This period of intense artistic activity was largely supported by the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty, particularly under the ruler Harishena.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
521
(a) I and II only
522
(d) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
523
(a) Wootz steel - A crucible steel featuring distinct bands.
524
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
525
(b) The Sulba Sutras
526
(b) III only
527
(c) It systematized knowledge into eight rational branches.
528
(d) The main sanctum where the principal deity is enshrined.
529
(a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii
530
(b) Vakataka dynasty
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.
