Q71. The unique geographical location of Dholavira between two seasonal streams, Mansar and Manhar, necessitated the development of which critical infrastructure?
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 71–80 of 615 questions
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Q72. Which of the following statements about Harappan weights and measures is incorrect?
Explanation
The Harappan weight system was remarkably standardized but followed two different numerical patterns. The lower denominations of weights followed a binary system, while the higher denominations followed a decimal system. These weights were typically made of chert and were cubical in shape. The claim that lower denominations followed a strictly decimal system is therefore inaccurate according to archaeological evidence and research.
Q73. The name Kalibangan literally translates to which of the following?
Explanation
The name Kalibangan is derived from local dialects, where ‘kali’ means black and ‘bangan’ means bangles. The site received this name because archaeologists found a large number of fragments of black terracotta bangles during their initial surface surveys and excavations. This site, located in Rajasthan, remains one of the most important centers for understanding various Harappan cultural phases.
Q74. Which architectural feature most starkly differentiates the Indus Valley Civilisation from contemporary civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia?
Explanation
While Egypt and Mesopotamia are famous for their monumental temples and royal tombs, the Indus Valley Civilisation is unique for its focus on civic amenities. The widespread use of standardized burnt bricks for ordinary housing and the presence of a sophisticated, covered underground drainage system are unmatched in other contemporary civilizations. This suggests a societal emphasis on hygiene and public welfare.
Q75. Recent DNA analysis of skeletal remains from the Rakhigarhi cemetery has suggested which of the following conclusions?
Explanation
Recent genetic studies of skeletal remains from the Rakhigarhi cemetery have provided groundbreaking insights into the ancestry of the Harappan people. The results show that the Harappans had a unique genetic profile that contributed significantly to the ancestry of modern South Asians. This suggests a long-term genetic continuity in the region rather than a complete replacement of the population by invaders.
Q76. Identify the correctly matched pair regarding Harappan crafts and their prominent centers:
Explanation
Certain Harappan settlements specialized in specific crafts based on their proximity to raw materials. Nageshwar and Balakot, both located near the coast, were prominent centers for the manufacture of shell objects like bangles and ladles. While other sites like Chanhudaro were famous for beads, the identification of Nageshwar and Balakot as specialized shell-working sites is a well-established archaeological fact.
Q77. Consider the following statements regarding the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation and select the correct option:
Statement I: The sudden decline of Mohenjo-daro is conclusively proven by large-scale massacres found in the latest occupational levels.
Statement II: Modern scholars largely reject the Aryan Invasion Theory as the sole cause of the civilization’s collapse.
Statement I: The sudden decline of Mohenjo-daro is conclusively proven by large-scale massacres found in the latest occupational levels.
Statement II: Modern scholars largely reject the Aryan Invasion Theory as the sole cause of the civilization’s collapse.
Explanation
The idea that Mohenjo-daro was destroyed by a massacre has been largely discredited, as the skeletal remains found were not all from the same time period and showed no signs of battle. Most modern scholars also reject the Aryan Invasion Theory as the sole explanation for the collapse. Instead, they favor a combination of environmental and socio-economic factors.
Q78. Which of the following is NOT true regarding the seals found in the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Explanation
Harappan seals were versatile objects used primarily for trade and administration. While they bear religious iconography, there is no evidence that they were used exclusively by a priestly class for worship. Instead, they were used by merchants to mark their goods and by officials for administrative purposes. Their widespread distribution across different types of buildings suggests a broad functional role.
Q79. The Harappan site of Shortughai, primarily known as a trading post for lapis lazuli, was located in present-day:
Explanation
Shortughai is a unique Harappan site located in the Badakhshan province of northeastern Afghanistan. It was established as a distant trading colony, primarily to control the supply of lapis lazuli, a highly prized blue stone found in the nearby mountains. The presence of Harappan pottery and architecture so far north illustrates the far-reaching economic interests and organized nature of civilization.
Q80. The presence of a dockyard and a warehouse at Lothal, combined with the discovery of Persian Gulf seals in the city, strongly indicates that Lothal was:
Explanation
The combination of a specialized dockyard, large storage warehouses, and foreign artifacts like Persian Gulf seals conclusively identifies Lothal as a major maritime trade hub. It served as a vital link between the Indus Valley and other ancient civilizations across the Arabian Sea. This role as an international port was central to Lothal’s economy and its overall historical significance.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) A complex system of dams and large stone water reservoirs. |
| 72 | (a) Lower denominations followed a strictly decimal measurement system |
| 73 | (c) Black Bangles |
| 74 | (a) Widespread use of burnt bricks and underground drainage |
| 75 | (d) There is genetic continuity between Harappans and modern Asians |
| 76 | (b) Shell object making - Nageshwar and Balakot |
| 77 | (b) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct. |
| 78 | (d) They were used exclusively by the priests as objects of worship. |
| 79 | (a) Afghanistan |
| 80 | (b) A major hub for maritime overseas trade with the Middle East |
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.