Q601. Who among the following ancient sages is traditionally credited with codifying the Yoga philosophy into a systematic text known as the Yoga Sutras?
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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Q602. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Read both statements and select the correct answer:
Assertion (A): The primary goal of Yoga philosophy is the cessation of the modifications of the mind (Chitta vritti nirodha).
Reason (R): By quieting the mind, the individual consciousness (Purusha) rests in its own true, liberated nature, free from the entanglements of Prakriti.
Assertion (A): The primary goal of Yoga philosophy is the cessation of the modifications of the mind (Chitta vritti nirodha).
Reason (R): By quieting the mind, the individual consciousness (Purusha) rests in its own true, liberated nature, free from the entanglements of Prakriti.
Explanation
The primary objective of the Yoga system is to quiet the constant fluctuations of the mind.
Q603. An individual practicing truthfulness (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), and non-stealing (Asteya) is applying which specific limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga?
Explanation
The first stage of the eightfold path of Yoga involves cultivating essential ethical restraints to harmonize one’s social and personal life. These practices include non-violence, truthfulness, and honesty. By adhering to these moral guidelines, a practitioner establishes a solid foundation for further spiritual growth. These ethical commitments ensure that the seeker’s mind is free from the agitation caused by harmful or dishonest conduct.
Q604. Which of the following pairs of philosophical schools and their foundational sages is correctly matched?
Explanation
Each major school of Indian philosophy is associated with a foundational sage who systematized its core teachings. The school focusing on the interpretation of Vedic rituals and duties was codified by Jaimini. Other prominent thinkers established systems based on logic, atomic theory, dualism, or the ultimate nature of reality. Matching these sages to their respective schools is fundamental for understanding the historical development of Indian thought.
Q605. Consider the following statements regarding Vedanta and its sub-schools:
I. Advaita Vedanta, propounded by Adi Shankaracharya, advocates strict non-dualism.
II. Vishishtadvaita of Ramanuja claims that the world is an absolute illusion and Individual Souls do not exist.
III. Dvaita Vedanta of Madhvacharya asserts an absolute, eternal difference between the individual soul and Brahman.
IV. Purva Mimamsa focuses heavily on the Jnana-kanda of the Vedas, unlike Vedanta.
V. The Brahma Sutras form one of the foundational texts (Prasthanatrayi) for all major Vedanta schools.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Advaita Vedanta, propounded by Adi Shankaracharya, advocates strict non-dualism.
II. Vishishtadvaita of Ramanuja claims that the world is an absolute illusion and Individual Souls do not exist.
III. Dvaita Vedanta of Madhvacharya asserts an absolute, eternal difference between the individual soul and Brahman.
IV. Purva Mimamsa focuses heavily on the Jnana-kanda of the Vedas, unlike Vedanta.
V. The Brahma Sutras form one of the foundational texts (Prasthanatrayi) for all major Vedanta schools.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Vedanta encompasses several sub-schools that interpret the relationship between the individual soul and the absolute reality. While some advocate for strict non-dualism, others emphasize qualified non-dualism or complete dualism. These interpretations are primarily based on foundational texts like the Upanishads and Brahma Sutras. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the diverse metaphysical landscape of classical Indian philosophical traditions and their teachings.
Q606. The Purva Mimamsa school primarily concerns itself with which aspect of the Vedic texts?
Explanation
The Purva Mimamsa school focuses on the earlier portions of the Vedas, which deal with the performance of sacrifices and ethical duties. Its primary goal is to provide a systematic methodology for interpreting Vedic commands to ensure that rituals are conducted correctly. Proponents believe that the proper performance of these duties maintains cosmic order and leads to beneficial results for the individual.
Q607. Read the following lists regarding Vedanta philosophers and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
| Vedanta Philosopher | Philosophical Sub-school |
|---|---|
| A. Shankaracharya | i. Dvaita (Dualism) |
| B. Ramanujacharya | ii. Advaita (Non-dualism) |
| C. Madhvacharya | iii. Dvaitadvaita (Dualistic non-dualism) |
| D. Nimbarkacharya | iv. Vishishtadvaita (Qualified non-dualism) |
Explanation
Vedanta philosophy is divided into several sub-schools, each led by a prominent thinker. Adi Shankaracharya promoted absolute non-dualism, while Ramanuja advocated for qualified non-dualism. Madhvacharya established the doctrine of complete dualism, emphasizing the distinction between the soul and God. Nimbarka proposed a synthesis of both dualism and non-dualism, reflecting the rich diversity of metaphysical interpretations within the Vedanta tradition.
Q608. Which set of three classical texts constitutes the ‘Prasthanatrayi’, the foundational triple canon of the Vedanta school of philosophy?
Explanation
The foundational canon of Vedanta consists of three essential texts that provide the philosophical basis for its various sub-schools. These include the ancient Upanishads, which explore deep metaphysical truths, a systematic text of aphorisms that synthesizes these teachings, and a celebrated dialogue that applies these principles to the complexities of life. Mastery of these works is necessary for any serious student of Vedantic philosophy.
Q609. Which of the following represents the correct selection of the four states of consciousness commonly analyzed in Vedanta (such as in the Mandukya Upanishad)?
Explanation
Vedantic psychology analyzes human experience through four distinct states of consciousness. These range from the ordinary waking state and the dreaming state to deep, dreamless sleep. The fourth state is considered the underlying reality that transcends the other three, representing the pure, unconditioned awareness of the true self. Understanding these levels is crucial for realizing the ultimate nature of consciousness in Vedantic thought.
Q610. Read the given statements regarding the Lokayata/Charvaka philosophy and select the correct answer:
Statement I: Charvaka is a materialistic philosophy that accepts direct perception (Pratyaksha) as the only valid source of knowledge.
Statement II: Charvaka fully accepts inference (Anumana) to prove the existence of God and the afterlife.
Statement I: Charvaka is a materialistic philosophy that accepts direct perception (Pratyaksha) as the only valid source of knowledge.
Statement II: Charvaka fully accepts inference (Anumana) to prove the existence of God and the afterlife.
Explanation
The Charvaka school is a materialistic philosophy that relies exclusively on direct perception as a source of valid knowledge. Its proponents reject logical inference when it is used to prove metaphysical concepts like God or the soul. They argue that we can only be certain of what we can physically see and experience, leading them to deny the existence of any afterlife.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 601 | (c) Patanjali |
| 602 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 603 | (a) Yama |
| 604 | (b) Purva Mimamsa - Jaimini |
| 605 | (b) II and IV only |
| 606 | (a) The interpretation of Vedic injunctions and the mechanics of rituals. |
| 607 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 608 | (d) Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita |
| 609 | (a) Jagrat, Svapna, Sushupti, Turiya |
| 610 | (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.