Q51. Which of the following sequences correctly represents the chronological stages of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
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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Q52. Which of the following statements concerning Dholavira is incorrect?
Explanation
Dholavira, located on Kadir Island in Gujarat, is renowned for its unique three-tier urban division and sophisticated water management. Contrary to the suggestion that it lacked defenses, the site actually features massive and impressive fortification walls made of stone and mud-brick. These walls surrounded different sections of the city, providing security and reflecting the organized nature of Harappan planning.
Q53. Consider the following statements regarding the economic life of the Harappans:
I. The manufacturing of beads was a highly specialized craft, particularly at Chanhudaro.
II. Spindle whorls found at various sites indicate that spinning of cotton and wool was common.
III. The economy was heavily dependent on the extensive use of minted silver coins.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
I. The manufacturing of beads was a highly specialized craft, particularly at Chanhudaro.
II. Spindle whorls found at various sites indicate that spinning of cotton and wool was common.
III. The economy was heavily dependent on the extensive use of minted silver coins.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
Explanation
The Harappan economy was based on advanced craft specialization and domestic production. Chanhudaro was a major center for bead-making, while the presence of spindle whorls across sites indicates that spinning and weaving were common. However, the economy was not based on metallic currency. Instead, it relied on a barter system and the use of standardized weights for trade transactions.
Q54. Rakhigarhi, recognized as the largest Harappan site in India, is situated in which of the following states?
Explanation
Rakhigarhi is an archaeological site located in the Hisar district of Haryana. Recent research and excavations have shown that it is one of the largest and most significant settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Its size and the diversity of artifacts found there indicate that it served as a major regional capital, comparable in importance to Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
Q55. Consider the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: The Harappans built large monumental temples for public worship similar to those in Mesopotamia.
Statement II: Evidence of fire altars has been found at Kalibangan and Lothal, suggesting domestic or localized ritual practices.
Statement I: The Harappans built large monumental temples for public worship similar to those in Mesopotamia.
Statement II: Evidence of fire altars has been found at Kalibangan and Lothal, suggesting domestic or localized ritual practices.
Explanation
Unlike contemporary civilizations in Mesopotamia or Egypt, there is no archaeological evidence of large, monumental public temples in Harappan cities. Their religious practices seem more domestic or focused on natural elements. The discovery of fire altars at sites like Kalibangan and Lothal suggests that ritual activities were likely performed in smaller, localized settings or within individual Harappan households.
Q56. Consider the following statements regarding the construction materials used in the Indus Valley Civilisation:
I. Baked bricks were uniformly used in the major cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
II. Sun-dried bricks were often used for fillings in city walls.
III. Stone was extensively used for domestic housing in cities located in the alluvial plains of Sindh.
IV. Gypsum mortar was used to waterproof critical structures like the Great Bath.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
I. Baked bricks were uniformly used in the major cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
II. Sun-dried bricks were often used for fillings in city walls.
III. Stone was extensively used for domestic housing in cities located in the alluvial plains of Sindh.
IV. Gypsum mortar was used to waterproof critical structures like the Great Bath.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
Explanation
Harappan architecture primarily utilized baked bricks in major cities, while sun-dried bricks were used for less critical structures. In Sindh, stone was rarely used for domestic housing due to its scarcity. However, stone was prominent in regions like Gujarat. Techniques like using gypsum mortar for waterproofing the Great Bath demonstrate the Harappans’ advanced understanding of engineering and materials.
Q57. Which of the following is NOT a recognized characteristic of the Indus script?
Explanation
The Harappan script is not alphabetical; it does not consist of a small set of letters representing sounds. Instead, it is pictographic and logo-syllabic, featuring hundreds of distinct signs. These symbols were inscribed on seals, pottery, and copper tablets. Despite numerous attempts by scholars worldwide, the script has not been conclusively deciphered, leaving many aspects of life mystery.
Q58. Which of the following pairs of Harappan site and its corresponding river is correctly matched?
Explanation
Many Harappan sites were strategically located along river banks. Kalibangan is situated on the left bank of the now-dry Ghaggar River in Rajasthan. Other major sites were located differently: Harappa was on the Ravi River, Mohenjo-daro was on the Indus River, and Lothal was located near the Bhogavo River, a tributary of the Sabarmati, in Gujarat.
Q59. The highly polished stone pillar bases and segments, reflecting advanced stone-working technology, are uniquely characteristic of which Harappan site?
Explanation
Dholavira is unique among Harappan sites for its extensive use of stone and advanced masonry. Archaeologists discovered highly polished stone pillar bases and segments there, which indicate a level of stone-working technology not typically seen in the brick-dominated cities of the Indus plains. These architectural elements were likely part of monumental buildings or gateways in the city’s impressive citadel section.
Q60. Consider the following statements regarding Harappan imports:
I. Gold was procured from South India (Karnataka).
II. Copper was heavily sourced from the Khetri mines of Rajasthan.
III. Lapis Lazuli was primarily imported from the Badakhshan region in Afghanistan.
IV. Jade was brought in from Central Asia.
V. Steatite was sourced from South Rajasthan and North Gujarat.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
I. Gold was procured from South India (Karnataka).
II. Copper was heavily sourced from the Khetri mines of Rajasthan.
III. Lapis Lazuli was primarily imported from the Badakhshan region in Afghanistan.
IV. Jade was brought in from Central Asia.
V. Steatite was sourced from South Rajasthan and North Gujarat.
Which of the combination of statements given above is correct?
Explanation
The Harappans maintained a complex network for sourcing raw materials. Gold came from South India, while copper was sourced from Rajasthan and Oman. Lapis Lazuli was imported from Afghanistan. Jade was obtained from Central Asia, and steatite was sourced from Rajasthan and Gujarat. This extensive trade network ensured a steady supply of materials for their sophisticated craft industries and economy.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (a) Early Harappan, Mature Harappan, Late Harappan |
| 52 | (d) It lacked any form of defensive fortification walls around its perimeter. |
| 53 | (c) I and II only |
| 54 | (b) Haryana |
| 55 | (b) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct. |
| 56 | (a) I, II and IV |
| 57 | (c) It exhibits an alphabetical structure with 26 distinct letters |
| 58 | (a) Kalibangan - Ghaggar |
| 59 | (d) Dholavira |
| 60 | (b) I, II, III, IV and V |
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.