Q1921. Who is historically credited as the founding father of the Indian space programme?
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Q1922. The discovery of structural remains of a circular stupa and monastery made of brick and timber at Bairath is associated with which ancient Indian ruler?
Explanation
The structural remains of the circular stupa and monastery discovered at Bairath are historically associated with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The presence of these Buddhist structures, along with the nearby Bhabru Rock Edict, proves that Ashoka took a personal interest in the region. This site serves as a vital piece of evidence for the state-sponsored spread of Buddhism and architecture.
Q1923. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The overarching vision of ISRO is to harness space technology for national development.
Statement II: ISRO primarily focuses on manned military space stations.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: The overarching vision of ISRO is to harness space technology for national development.
Statement II: ISRO primarily focuses on manned military space stations.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The primary goal of the space agency has always been to apply advanced technology to solve national challenges and aid development. This includes areas such as weather forecasting, remote sensing, and telecommunications. However, the organization’s focus is primarily on civil and scientific exploration rather than the development of manned military space stations. While it works on human spaceflight, the mission objectives are scientific and technological in nature, aimed at expanding the nation’s presence in space.
Q1924. The Rangmahal culture in northern Rajasthan is particularly noted for its exquisite terracotta artifacts. These artifacts predominantly reflect the artistic influence of which school?
Explanation
The terracotta art of the Rangmahal culture is known for its high quality and detailed depictions. These artifacts show a significant artistic influence from both the Mathura and Gandhara schools of art. This blend of styles reflects the region’s position as a cultural crossroads where different artistic traditions met and influenced local craft production during the early historical period in northern Rajasthan.
Q1925. In the organizational structure of India’s space program, ISRO reports directly to which of the following departments?
Explanation
The organization operates under a dedicated government division that reports directly to the highest level of leadership. This administrative structure ensures that space research remains a high priority and receives the necessary policy support and funding. By being part of this specialized department, the agency can coordinate its various activities and laboratories across the country effectively. This direct link to the central government facilitates the long-term planning and execution of ambitious space exploration missions.
Q1926. Consider the following statements regarding the educational and cultural environment of ancient Rajasthan:
I. Education was primarily a religious and spiritual endeavor closely tied to the Varna system.
II. Gurukulas were situated in natural surroundings away from dense urban centers.
III. The medium of higher intellectual and philosophical instruction was largely Sanskrit.
IV. Bhinmal gained prominence as a center of learning in the post-Gupta period.
V. The state heavily taxed educational institutions to fund military campaigns.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Education was primarily a religious and spiritual endeavor closely tied to the Varna system.
II. Gurukulas were situated in natural surroundings away from dense urban centers.
III. The medium of higher intellectual and philosophical instruction was largely Sanskrit.
IV. Bhinmal gained prominence as a center of learning in the post-Gupta period.
V. The state heavily taxed educational institutions to fund military campaigns.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Education in ancient Rajasthan was deeply tied to the varna system, with Gurukulas often located in serene, natural settings. Sanskrit was the primary medium for higher intellectual and philosophical studies, and Bhinmal emerged as a major post-Gupta educational hub. However, there is no evidence that the state heavily taxed these institutions; instead, kings typically provided grants to support learning.
Q1927. Identify the correctly matched pair of the ISRO centre and its primary function:
Explanation
This major facility located in the south is the lead center for creating the rockets that carry satellites into space. It handles the engineering and testing of both solid and liquid propulsion systems. Other centers focus on different aspects, such as satellite manufacturing or ground-based applications. The specialization of these hubs allows for a comprehensive approach to space technology, ensuring that all components from the launch vehicle to the spacecraft payload are developed with high precision.
Q1928. Which of the following is the most appropriate deduction regarding the food habits of the ancient people of Kalibangan, based on the discovery of ploughed fields and fire altars?
Explanation
The discovery of a ploughed field and several fire altars at Kalibangan allows for important deductions about the local way of life. It shows that the people were sedentary farmers who grew their own food. Furthermore, the fire altars suggest they performed rituals, which likely involved offering agricultural produce to the gods. This combination was central to the social and religious life.
Q1929. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the commercial arms of ISRO?
Explanation
Several entities handle the commercial aspects of the space program, helping to transfer technology to domestic industries and manage international launch contracts. However, the role of the regulatory body mentioned is to enable and oversee private participation in the space sector, not to be the exclusive manufacturer of rocket components. Manufacturing is shared among various government units and private companies. These commercial arms aim to build a strong industrial ecosystem to support the national space mission.
Q1930. In the context of ancient craft communities, the term ‘Karmakara’ generally refers to:
Explanation
In the context of the ancient Indian economy, the term ‘Karmakara’ generally referred to individuals who worked as hired laborers or artisans. Unlike wealthy merchants, they provided their labor or specialized skills in exchange for wages. They were a crucial part of the workforce in both urban and rural areas, supporting various industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing of essential goods.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1921 | (b) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai |
| 1922 | (a) Ashoka |
| 1923 | (a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. |
| 1924 | (c) Mathura and Gandhara schools |
| 1925 | (c) Department of Space (DoS) |
| 1926 | (a) I, II, III and IV only |
| 1927 | (d) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) : Launch vehicle design and development |
| 1928 | (c) Practiced agriculture and likely offered produce in fire sacrifices |
| 1929 | (c) IN-SPACe is the sole manufacturer of ISRO’s solid rockets. |
| 1930 | (b) Hired laborers, artisans, or craftsmen who worked for wages |
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on RAS Prelims?
This page has 9654 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How should I practise MCQs for RAS Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation. Practise one chapter at a time, note the facts you got wrong and revise them. Repeat the chapter after a few days.
Are these actual RAS Prelims past-paper questions?
No. These are practice questions written for the RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the pattern the exam uses: factual questions, statement-based questions, match-the-list and assertion-reason.