Q61. The discovery of a ploughed field with intersecting furrows at Kalibangan suggests which of the following agricultural practices?
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.
Showing 61–70 of 615 questions
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Q62. Which of the following is true regarding the Great Granary of Mohenjo-daro?
Explanation
The Great Granary is the largest structure identified at the site of Mohenjo-daro. Located on the citadel mound, it consists of a massive brick foundation with air ducts to keep the grain dry. This building reflects the civilization’s ability to collect and store large agricultural surpluses, which were likely used to support the urban population and provide stability.
Q63. In the context of the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation, the term Late Harappan Phase refers to:
Explanation
The Late Harappan Phase represents the period following the decline of the great urban centers. During this time, the characteristic features of the civilization, such as the grid system, script, and standardized weights, gradually disappeared. The culture became more localized and rural, with people living in smaller settlements and practicing simplified forms of the earlier Harappan traditions and crafts.
Q64. Which of the following is NOT an archaeological finding associated with Lothal?
Explanation
Lothal was a vibrant port city with features like a brick dockyard, a warehouse, and a bead-making factory. Fire altars have also been found there, suggesting specific ritual practices. However, the famous Priest-King statue, a small steatite sculpture representing a bearded male figure, was discovered at Mohenjo-daro. It is not associated with the archaeological finds recovered from Lothal.
Q65. Consider the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: The Indus Valley Civilisation covered parts of present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
Statement II: The core geographical area of the civilization was limited entirely to the modern borders of the Republic of India.
Statement I: The Indus Valley Civilisation covered parts of present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
Statement II: The core geographical area of the civilization was limited entirely to the modern borders of the Republic of India.
Explanation
The Indus Valley Civilisation was a vast entity that spanned across modern national boundaries. Its territory covered significant portions of present-day Pakistan and northwestern India, with outlying trading posts like Shortughai located as far north as Afghanistan. Therefore, the suggestion that its core area was limited only to the borders of modern India is factually incorrect and ignores geographic spread.
Q66. The H-Cemetery and R-37 burial grounds are associated with which famous archaeological site?
Explanation
Harappa has yielded important evidence regarding Harappan funerary practices through its burial grounds. The R-37 cemetery belongs to the Mature Harappan phase and contains typical burials with pottery and ornaments. The Cemetery-H, on the other hand, represents a later cultural phase showing changes in burial customs. These sites provide valuable information about the population and social transitions occurring at Harappa.
Q67. The discovery of numerous spindle whorls made of terracotta and faience in Harappan houses suggests that:
Explanation
The discovery of numerous spindle whorls made of materials like terracotta and faience in many Harappan homes is significant. These tools were used for spinning thread from fibers like cotton and wool. Their widespread presence suggests that the production of textiles was a common and important household activity, supporting a thriving local industry that produced clothing for domestic use.
Q68. Which of the following animals is NOT depicted on the famous Pashupati seal from Mohenjo-daro?
Explanation
The Pashupati seal from Mohenjo-daro depicts a central figure in a yogic posture, surrounded by various animals. These include an elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, and a buffalo. Two deer are also shown beneath the seat. Notably, the cow is not depicted on this seal, nor does it appear frequently in Harappan iconography, despite the importance of other cattle.
Q69. Harappan craftsmen commonly used a material called faience. What was it primarily used for?
Explanation
Faience is a glazed ceramic material made from ground sand or silica mixed with color and a gum. Harappan craftsmen used it extensively to create small, luxury items. These included miniature vessels, beads, bangles, and figurines. Because it required a complex manufacturing process, faience objects are often considered prestige items, reflecting the technical skill and artistic taste of the population.
Q70. Which of the following accurately describes the discovery sequence of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Explanation
Harappa was the first site of the Indus Valley Civilisation to be scientifically excavated, starting in 1921 under Daya Ram Sahni. This discovery was followed by the excavation of Mohenjo-daro in 1922. Because Harappa was the first site identified, the entire culture is often referred to as the Harappan Civilisation. This sequence was crucial in establishing the antiquity of urbanism.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (c) The simultaneous cultivation of two different crops. |
| 62 | (d) It is the largest building found at the site of Mohenjo-daro. |
| 63 | (a) A post-urban phase characterized by rural chalcolithic cultures |
| 64 | (b) The Priest-King steatite statue |
| 65 | (a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect. |
| 66 | (a) Harappa |
| 67 | (c) Spinning and weaving were common household activities. |
| 68 | (d) Cow |
| 69 | (c) Making miniature objects like beads, bangles, and small vessels |
| 70 | (b) Harappa was the first site to be excavated in 1921, giving the civilization its alternative name. |
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.