RAS Prelims MCQ Practice

Explanation

Mughal painting was court-centred and realistic, and Rajput painting was poetic and often religious. Rajput painters did not abandon paper, so A is incorrect.

Explanation

Tikaram Paliwal became the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 1952. While Hira Lal Shastri was the first Chief Minister, he was not elected through a general election but appointed during the transition. Paliwal’s tenure marked the beginning of democratic governance in the state following the first general elections, establishing a milestone in Rajasthan’s political history and administration. His appointment followed the successful conduct of the first democratic exercise in the newly formed state. This event solidified the transition from princely rule and interim arrangements to a representative form of government. Paliwal’s leadership during this foundational period helped establish the initial administrative and legislative structures of modern Rajasthan.

Explanation

The Jhamarkotra mines in Rajasthan are critical for India’s agricultural sector as they are the primary source of rock phosphate. This mineral is the essential raw material required to manufacture phosphatic fertilizers. By producing significant quantities of rock phosphate domestically, these mines help reduce the country’s dependence on expensive imports, supporting food security and the domestic fertilizer manufacturing industry.

Explanation

The Gavari dance-drama is a major cultural tradition of the Bhil tribe, not the Meena tribe. It is a ritualistic performance dedicated to Goddess Gauri and lasts for forty days during the monsoon. Other pairings, such as Walar with the Garasiya, Gair with the Bhil, and Chari with the Gujjar, are culturally accurate and represent the diverse folk heritage of various communities.

Explanation

Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century, is a chronological history of the kings of Kashmir.

Explanation

The parliamentary form of government is characterized by the presence of a nominal executive head and a real executive. In the state, the Governor is the nominal head, while the Council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister holds real authority. This system ensures that the executive is drawn from and remains responsible to the legislature, maintaining democratic accountability. This structure is designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single individual. By making the real executive responsible to the elected assembly, the Constitution ensures that the government remains sensitive to public opinion. The Governor’s formal role provides a stable constitutional framework within which this democratic process operates.

Explanation

Raniganj is recognized as the oldest coalfield in India, with commercial mining operations beginning as early as 1774 during the British colonial period. Located primarily in West Bengal, it played a foundational role in the industrialization of the region. It belongs to the Gondwana rock system and remains an important source of coal, although other fields like Jharia currently lead in production.

Explanation

Sanskrit philosophical works did not stop in the medieval period, so Statement I is wrong. Commentaries on the Dharmashastras continued in Vijayanagara and Mithila, so Statement II is correct.

Explanation

The Gair dance is most fervently performed during the celebration of Holi, the festival of colors. It is a time for communal joy and the renewal of social ties within the Bhil community. The rhythmic beating of sticks and the circular movements of the dancers in their traditional attire are a staple of the festive atmosphere in rural Rajasthan during spring.

Explanation

Jayadeva wrote the Gita Govinda, Kalhana the Rajatarangini, Somadeva the Kathasaritsagara and Bilhana the Vikramankadevacharita. This gives A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii.