Q81. Who among the following scholars proposed the Central Asian homeland theory for the origin of the Indo-Aryans based on philological evidence?
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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Q82. The Boghazkoi inscription, which mentions Vedic gods such as Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas, was discovered in which modern-day country?
Explanation
The Boghazkoi inscription, discovered in modern Turkey, dates back to the fourteenth century BCE. It records a treaty between the Hittites and the Mittani, invoking Vedic deities like Indra and Varuna as witnesses. This archaeological find provides crucial evidence for the presence of Indo-Aryan speakers in Western Asia and helps date the migration towards the Indian subcontinent.
Q83. Match List-I with List-II regarding the ancient and modern names of rivers in the Sapta Sindhu region:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Ancient River Names | Modern Names |
|---|---|
| A. Vitasta | i. Ravi |
| B. Asikni | ii. Jhelum |
| C. Parushni | iii. Sutlej |
| D. Sutudri | iv. Chenab |
Explanation
Ancient Vedic texts identify rivers in the Sapta Sindhu region with distinct names. The Vitasta corresponds to the modern Jhelum, while the Asikni represents the Chenab. Furthermore, the Parushni is identified as the Ravi, and the Sutudri is the contemporary Sutlej. Understanding these geographical markers is essential for tracing the territorial extent and settlement patterns of the early Aryan tribes.
Q84. Which of the following statements correctly defines the nature of the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) society?
Explanation
Rigvedic society was essentially semi-nomadic and pastoral, with cattle rearing serving as the primary economic activity. Social organization centered on tribal units called Janas, led by a Rajan. Land was not yet a private commodity, and the community moved frequently to find grazing grounds. This mobile lifestyle dictated their political structure, which remained decentralized and focused on kinship.
Q85. In the context of Early Vedic political organization, which of the following assemblies was the oldest and involved both men and women in its proceedings?
Explanation
The Vidatha is considered the most ancient tribal assembly mentioned in the Rigveda. It served various purposes, including religious, military, and distributive functions. Unlike later periods where political participation became restricted, the Vidatha allowed both men and women to participate in its proceedings. Its decline in later Vedic times marked a significant shift toward more centralized and patriarchal power structures.
Q86. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the position of women in the Early Vedic period.
Explanation
During the Early Vedic period, women enjoyed a relatively high status in society. There is no historical evidence for the prevalence of child marriage or the practice of Sati during this era. Girls were generally married after reaching maturity and had access to education. They participated in religious rituals and tribal assemblies, reflecting a more egalitarian social structure than later periods.
Q87. The following question consists of two statements, an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R). Read them carefully and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Assertion (A): In the Rigvedic period, the power of the king (Rajan) was not absolute.
Reason (R): The king’s authority was kept in check by powerful tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti.
Assertion (A): In the Rigvedic period, the power of the king (Rajan) was not absolute.
Reason (R): The king’s authority was kept in check by powerful tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti.
Explanation
In the Rigvedic era, the Rajan or tribal chief did not possess absolute or autocratic authority. Political power was exercised through tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti, which played a crucial role in decision-making and checked the ruler’s actions. These institutions ensured that governance remained consultative and rooted in the collective will of the tribal community and kinship.
Q88. What did the term "Gavishti" primarily signify in the Rigvedic economy?
Explanation
The term Gavishti literally translates to a search for cows, reflecting the pastoral nature of the Rigvedic economy. Since cattle were the primary form of wealth, they frequently became the cause of tribal conflicts and raids. Consequently, the word evolved to signify war or battle. This linguistic connection highlights the central importance of livestock in determining social and political relations.
Q89. In the context of the Early Vedic economy, the term "Nishka" referred to which of the following?
Explanation
In the Early Vedic economy, Nishka was a gold ornament, likely a neckpiece, that also functioned as a unit of value. While a formal coinage system had not yet developed, such items were used in exchange and given as gifts to priests. It represents an early stage in the transition from pure barter toward more sophisticated systems of commerce.
Q90. Consider the following statements regarding the Early Vedic religion:
I. Indra was the most prominent deity, known as Purandara or destroyer of forts.
II. Varuna was considered the upholder of Rita, the cosmic and moral order.
III. Temple architecture and idol worship were highly developed during this period.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. Indra was the most prominent deity, known as Purandara or destroyer of forts.
II. Varuna was considered the upholder of Rita, the cosmic and moral order.
III. Temple architecture and idol worship were highly developed during this period.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Early Vedic religion focused on personified natural forces through prayers and simple sacrifices. Indra, the god of rain and thunder, was the most celebrated deity, while Varuna maintained cosmic order. Worship was performed in the open air without the use of temples or idols. The development of permanent religious structures and elaborate iconography only occurred much later in Indian history.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (b) Max Muller |
| 82 | (a) Turkey |
| 83 | (c) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 84 | (d) Tribal and pastoral society primarily based on cattle rearing and mobility. |
| 85 | (c) Vidatha |
| 86 | (b) Child marriage and the practice of Sati were widely prevalent. |
| 87 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 88 | (a) A search for cows, often denoting tribal conflicts or wars |
| 89 | (c) A gold ornament or unit of value used in exchange. |
| 90 | (a) I and II only |
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.