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 591–600 of 615 questions
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RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q591. Consider the following statements regarding the Six Schools of Indian Philosophy (Sad Darshanas): I. Nyaya emphasizes logic and epistemology. II. Vaisheshika is renowned for its pluralistic realism and atomic theory. III. Samkhya presents a dualistic philosophy of Purusha and Prakriti. IV. Mimamsa focuses primarily on the interpretation of Vedic rituals and duties. V. Vedanta explores the nature of Brahman as presented in the Upanishads. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Nyaya is the school of logic, Vaisheshika teaches atomism and pluralistic realism, Samkhya is dualist (Purusha and Prakriti), Mimamsa interprets Vedic rituals and Vedanta studies Brahman in the Upanishads. All five statements are correct.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q592. The Sanskrit term ‘Darshana’ literally translates to:
Explanation
The word Darshana means vision or direct realisation of truth. It is the name given to the six schools of philosophy.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q593. Arrange the following metaphysical entities in the correct sequence of cosmic evolution according to the Samkhya philosophy: I. Ahamkara (Ego) II. Prakriti (Primordial Nature) III. Mahat/Buddhi (Intellect) IV. Manas (Mind)
Explanation
In Samkhya, evolution starts from Prakriti, then Mahat or Buddhi (intellect), then Ahamkara (ego) and then Manas (mind). The order is II, III, I, IV.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q594. Identify the odd one out among the following schools of philosophy, based on the traditional Astika/Nastika classification:
Explanation
Nyaya, Samkhya and Mimamsa are Astika schools because they accept the Vedas. Charvaka rejects them and is a Nastika school, so it is the odd one out.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q595. Which school of Indian philosophy is fundamentally known as the science of reasoning (Tarka-shastra) and outlines an intricate system of logic to acquire valid knowledge?
Explanation
Nyaya is called Tarka-shastra, the science of reasoning, because it gives a detailed system of logic and the means of valid knowledge.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q596. The Vaisheshika school of philosophy is best known for formulating which of the following theories?
Explanation
The Vaisheshika school is celebrated for its early scientific approach to understanding the physical universe. It proposed that all material objects are composed of indivisible atoms and classified all of reality into distinct categories. This analytical framework aimed to explain the diversity of the world through the combinations and qualities of these fundamental particles, laying the groundwork for Indian natural philosophy.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q597. Consider the following statements about the Nyaya and Vaisheshika philosophies: I. Both schools are classified as Nastika Darshanas because they rely on logic. II. Vaisheshika accepts only Perception and Inference as valid sources of knowledge. III. Nyaya accepts four Pramanas: Perception, Inference, Comparison, and Verbal Testimony. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
While the schools of logic and atomic theory rely heavily on reasoning, they are considered orthodox systems because they accept the authority of the Vedas. These schools vary in the number of valid sources of knowledge they recognize, with some accepting only perception and inference, while others include comparison and verbal testimony. Their systematic methodologies aim to provide a rational foundation for understanding reality.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q598. According to Vaisheshika philosophy, the initial motion of atoms that leads to the creation of the universe is caused by an unseen moral force. What is the specific term for this cause and effect principle?
Explanation
According to atomic philosophy, the movement of atoms required for the creation and dissolution of the universe is guided by an unseen moral force. This principle links the physical processes of the world to the collective moral deserts of individuals. It ensures that the state of the material world reflects the ethical consequences of past actions, providing a cosmic mechanism for justice.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q599. Which of the following concepts is explicitly rejected by the Nyaya-Vaisheshika schools?
Explanation
The schools of logic and atomic theory maintain a realistic perspective, asserting that the physical world exists independently of human perception. They reject the idea that matter is merely an illusion or a mental construct. Instead, they argue that the universe is made of real, external substances and atoms that can be objectively studied and understood through proper logical and empirical methods.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indian Knowledge and Value System
Q600. Read the given statements regarding the Samkhya philosophy and select the correct answer: Statement I: Samkhya is a strictly dualistic philosophy that posits two ultimate, eternal realities: Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (matter/nature). Statement II: According to Samkhya, Purusha is active and continuously undergoes transformation, while Prakriti is the passive, unchanging observer.
Explanation
Samkhya philosophy posits a fundamental duality between pure consciousness and the material world. It describes consciousness as a passive, unchanging observer that does not participate in actions. In contrast, nature or matter is the active force that undergoes continuous transformation and gives rise to the physical universe. Liberation occurs when the soul realizes its complete independence from the activities of nature.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
591
(d) I, II, III, IV and V
592
(a) Vision or direct realization of truth
593
(a) II, III, I, IV
594
(d) Charvaka
595
(c) Nyaya
596
(d) The atomic theory of matter and categories of reality.
597
(a) I only
598
(c) Adrishta
599
(a) The theory that the material world is solely a projection of the mind.
600
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
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.
