Q1. In the context of ancient Rajasthan, which of the following best describes the social structure evident in the early Vedic period regarding the Matsya Janapada?
Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture: RAS Prelims MCQs
120 RAS Prelims MCQs on society and culture in ancient Rajasthan look at how people lived and traded before the Rajput age. Early tribes, the Matsya kingdom, urban centres like Nagari and Rairh, guilds, marriage customs, the property rights of women and the trade routes to the western ports are all tested, and the explanations place each fact in its period.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. Which of the following tribal communities is widely referenced in ancient texts and epics as indigenous inhabitants of the Aravalli region and played a significant role in the early socio-political landscape of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Bhils are one of the most ancient tribal communities in India, traditionally residing in the Aravalli region of Rajasthan. They are frequently mentioned in ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Historically, they have been integral to the socio-political fabric and military history of the region, often serving as skilled archers and protectors of the hilly terrain.
Q3. The earliest epigraphic evidence of the Sati system in Rajasthan, reflecting the changing position of women during the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period, is found in which of the following inscriptions?
Explanation
The Ghatiyala Inscription provides one of the earliest recorded epigraphic evidences of the Sati system in Rajasthan. Dating back to the ninth century, it reflects the social changes occurring during the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period. This inscription highlights the emergence of specific martial traditions and the shifting societal position of women within the regional context.
Q4. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the options given below:
| Forms of Marriage in Ancient Texts | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. Brahma | i. Marriage by capturing the bride |
| B. Daiva | ii. Marriage by giving a dowry or bride price to the father |
| C. Asura | iii. Giving the daughter to a priest during a sacrifice |
| D. Rakshasa | iv. Giving the daughter with proper dowry to a learned man |
Explanation
Ancient Indian texts classify marriages into eight forms with distinct characteristics. Brahma involves giving a daughter with a dowry to a learned man. Daiva refers to giving her to a priest during a sacrifice. Asura involves paying a bride price to the father, while Rakshasa is marriage by capture. These classifications reflect the diverse social and economic customs of the time.
Q5. The term ‘Sreni’ in the economic life of ancient Rajasthan refers to which of the following?
Explanation
In ancient Rajasthan, the term Sreni refers to a corporate organization of merchants, craftsmen, or artisans. These guilds were essential for regulating economic activities, maintaining quality standards, and protecting the interests of their members. They often possessed significant administrative and financial autonomy, sometimes even issuing their own coinage and maintaining private militias to safeguard their commercial trade routes.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the ancient trade routes passing through Rajasthan:
I. The ancient Dakshinapatha route connected major northern cities to the south, passing through parts of eastern Rajasthan.
II. The route connecting Mathura to Ujjain passed through Bairath and Madhyamika.
III. The desert regions of western Rajasthan were entirely bypassed by all ancient caravan routes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The ancient Dakshinapatha route connected major northern cities to the south, passing through parts of eastern Rajasthan.
II. The route connecting Mathura to Ujjain passed through Bairath and Madhyamika.
III. The desert regions of western Rajasthan were entirely bypassed by all ancient caravan routes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Major ancient trade routes like the Dakshinapatha passed through eastern Rajasthan, connecting northern cities to the south. Another vital route linked Mathura to Ujjain via Bairath and Madhyamika. It is incorrect to claim that western Rajasthan was entirely bypassed; numerous caravan routes traversed the desert to reach western seaports, facilitating long-distance trade and the exchange of local goods.
Q7. The ancient urban centre of Madhyamika, known for its significant archaeological remains and structural developments, is identified with which modern location in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Madhyamika is an important ancient urban center identified with the modern site of Nagari in Chittorgarh district. Excavations there have revealed significant structural remains and archaeological evidence from the Sibi Janapada. The site highlights the region’s early urban development and provides insights into the political and religious life of ancient Rajasthan, particularly the early influence of Vaishnavism and tribal republics.
Q8. Consider the following Assertion (A) and
Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): The practice of Vedic sacrifices was prevalent in ancient Rajasthan during the post-Mauryan period.
Reason (R): The Ghosundi Inscription mentions the performance of the Ashvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata.
Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): The practice of Vedic sacrifices was prevalent in ancient Rajasthan during the post-Mauryan period.
Reason (R): The Ghosundi Inscription mentions the performance of the Ashvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata.
Explanation
Vedic sacrifices remained prevalent in ancient Rajasthan during the post-Mauryan period. The Ghosundi Inscription serves as a primary epigraphic source confirming this practice by recording the Ashvamedha Yajna performed by King Sarvatata. This evidence underscores the continued importance of Vedic rituals and the patronage they received from regional rulers who sought to establish their religious and political authority.
Q9. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the emergence of Buddhism in ancient Rajasthan:
Explanation
Buddhism had a strong presence in ancient Rajasthan, particularly at Bairath, where a circular brick temple and monastery were excavated. The Bhabru Edict confirms Ashoka’s devotion to the faith. However, there is no evidence of extensive rock-cut Buddhist chaityas from the Mauryan period in Jaisalmer. Such architectural features are typically found in other regions like Jhalawar or external sites.
Q10. The prominent terracotta art of ancient Rajasthan, specifically the distinctive moulded plaques depicting secular and religious themes, was primarily discovered at which site?
Explanation
Rangmahal is a prominent archaeological site in northern Rajasthan known for its distinctive terracotta art. Excavations discovered numerous moulded plaques and figurines depicting secular and religious themes. These artifacts show influences from the Gandhara and Mathura schools, reflecting the high level of artistic skill and the vibrant cultural interactions occurring in the region during the early centuries of the common era.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) A varna system primarily based on occupation and function rather than rigid birthright |
| 2 | (a) The Bhils |
| 3 | (c) Ghatiyala Inscription |
| 4 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 5 | (c) A guild or organization of merchants and artisans |
| 6 | (a) I and II only |
| 7 | (d) Nagari |
| 8 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 9 | (c) Extensive structural rock-cut Buddhist chaityas from the Mauryan period are found in Jaisalmer. |
| 10 | (a) Rangmahal |
Key facts from Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
- Madhyamika, the ancient name of Nagari in Chittorgarh district, was a fortified urban centre on the route from the Gangetic plains to Bharuch.
- Rairh in Tonk district is called the Tata Nagar of ancient Rajasthan for its large hoard of punch-marked coins.
- Ganeshwar served as a major copper-supplying centre to the Harappan civilization.
- The Matsya kingdom, named in the Rigveda and the Mahabharata, lay in eastern Rajasthan around Jaipur, Alwar and Bharatpur.
- A Sreni was a guild of merchants and artisans, and an Agrahara was tax-free land granted to Brahmanas or temples.
- The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited Bhinmal, which was known for its learning.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture?
This page has 120 practice MCQs on Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was a Sreni in ancient Rajasthan?
A Sreni was a guild of merchants and artisans. Guilds organised crafts and trade, handled finance and sometimes funded temples; the Mandasor inscription, for example, mentions a guild of silk weavers who built a Sun temple.
What was an Agrahara?
An Agrahara was tax-free land granted to Brahmanas or temples, so that they could carry on learning and ritual without paying revenue. Such grants became common during the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period.
Why is Rairh called the Tata Nagar of Rajasthan?
Excavations at Rairh in Tonk district found the largest hoard of ancient punch-marked coins in India, along with iron objects and signs of industrial activity. This points to a busy trading and manufacturing settlement, hence the comparison with the industrial town of Tata Nagar.