Q91. In the context of ancient society, the term ‘Varnasamkara’ refers to:
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.
Showing 91–100 of 120 questions
Q92. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Statement I: Historical evidence suggests that tribes such as the Bhils exercised autonomy in the Aravalli regions and often collected taxes or tolls from passing caravans.
Statement II: The mainstream ancient empires completely exterminated all tribal populations in Rajasthan by the Gupta period.
Statement I: Historical evidence suggests that tribes such as the Bhils exercised autonomy in the Aravalli regions and often collected taxes or tolls from passing caravans.
Statement II: The mainstream ancient empires completely exterminated all tribal populations in Rajasthan by the Gupta period.
Explanation
Historical evidence shows that tribes like the Bhils maintained a high degree of autonomy in the Aravalli hills, even collecting tolls from travelers. This illustrates their power and integration into the local economy. However, it is incorrect to suggest that ancient empires exterminated them. Instead, tribal groups persisted throughout history, often coexisting with or serving regional and imperial powers.
Q93. Identify the incorrect statement regarding marriage customs and family structure in ancient Rajasthan:
Explanation
While the patriarchal joint family was the norm, it is incorrect to say that marriage within the same Gotra was encouraged. Ancient Hindu social and legal norms strictly prohibited Sagotra marriage to maintain social order and prevent inbreeding. Instead, individuals were required to marry outside their own Gotra while typically staying within their Varna, a practice documented in many regional traditions.
Q94. The agrarian economy of ancient Rajasthan was heavily reliant on irrigation. Which of the following best describes the early archaeological evidence of water management in the region?
Explanation
Agriculture in ancient Rajasthan required careful water management due to the semi-arid climate. Archaeological evidence at sites like Kalibangan shows the use of wells and tanks for water storage and irrigation. Furthermore, the presence of protective walls suggests they also managed floodwaters. These techniques allowed ancient inhabitants to sustain productive farming and urban life even with limited seasonal rainfall.
Q95. In the context of economic transactions in ancient Rajasthan, which of the following is the odd one out?
Explanation
Karshapana, Pana, and Satamana are all terms for ancient Indian coins or units of currency used for various economic transactions. They were essential for trade and the payment of taxes. A Vihara, however, refers to a Buddhist monastery or a place for monks to live. It is a religious and architectural term rather than an economic one, making it unique.
Q96. Consider the following statements regarding the trade routes and economy of ancient Rajasthan:
I. The region acted as a land-bridge between the prosperous Gangetic valley and the ports of Gujarat.
II. Madhyamika (Nagari) was a prominent commercial hub on the trade route.
III. Trade was entirely controlled by foreign merchants, with no local participation.
IV. Agricultural surplus supported the growth of artisanal crafts and trade.
V. Camels and bullock carts were common modes of transport for goods.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The region acted as a land-bridge between the prosperous Gangetic valley and the ports of Gujarat.
II. Madhyamika (Nagari) was a prominent commercial hub on the trade route.
III. Trade was entirely controlled by foreign merchants, with no local participation.
IV. Agricultural surplus supported the growth of artisanal crafts and trade.
V. Camels and bullock carts were common modes of transport for goods.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Rajasthan acted as a bridge between the Gangetic valley and Gujarat, with centers like Madhyamika thriving on trade. Camels and carts were standard for transport, and agricultural surplus fueled the artisanal economy. However, it is false that trade was entirely controlled by foreign merchants. Local merchants, organized into guilds, played a primary and influential role in both regional and long-distance commerce.
Q97. The ancient urban center of Bairath (Viratnagar) holds immense historical significance because it exhibits evidence of:
Explanation
Bairath, anciently known as Viratnagar, is a site of immense historical importance in Rajasthan. It is celebrated for its long history of habitation, ranging from its legendary association with the Pandavas in the Mahabharata to its well-documented role as a major Buddhist and administrative center during the Mauryan period. This continuity makes it a key site for understanding regional cultural evolution.
Q98. Identify the correct statement regarding Vedic religious practices in ancient Rajasthan:
Explanation
The discovery of stone Yupas at various sites in Rajasthan provides strong evidence that elaborate Srauta sacrifices were popular among the regional elite during the early centuries of the common era. These rituals were a way for rulers to demonstrate their power and religious devotion. While Buddhism and Jainism were present, the Vedic tradition remained a vital part of the landscape.
Q99. The presence of significant Jain bronze idols and early Jain structural remains in regions like western Rajasthan (e.g., Osian area during the transition period) most appropriately signifies:
Explanation
The widespread presence of Jain idols and structural remains in ancient Rajasthan highlights the importance of the religion. This was largely due to the strong patronage of the prosperous mercantile communities, or Mahajanas. As a group with significant economic power, their support allowed Jainism to thrive and build magnificent temples and centers of learning, even in remote desert regions.
Q100. Arrange the following ancient coin hoards/ types found in Rajasthan in descending order of their antiquity (oldest to newest):
I. Punch-marked coins of Rairh
II. Malava coins of Nagar
III. Indo-Greek coins of Bairath
I. Punch-marked coins of Rairh
II. Malava coins of Nagar
III. Indo-Greek coins of Bairath
Explanation
In terms of antiquity, the punch-marked coins found at Rairh are the oldest, dating to the Mauryan and pre-Mauryan periods. These are followed by the Indo-Greek coins discovered at Bairath, which arrived in the second and first centuries BCE. The copper coins of the Malava republic generally date from the late second century BCE to the fourth century CE, being the most recent.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 91 | (d) Mixing of varnas through inter-marriage, leading to more castes |
| 92 | (a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 93 | (c) Marriage within the same Gotra was strictly encouraged to preserve lineage purity. |
| 94 | (d) The evidence of wells, tanks, and protective walls against floods at sites like Kalibangan |
| 95 | (a) Vihara |
| 96 | (b) III only |
| 97 | (b) Continuous habitation from the Mahabharata period through the Mauryan era |
| 98 | (a) The discovery of multiple Yupas (sacrificial posts) indicates the popularity of Srauta sacrifices among the ruling elite. |
| 99 | (c) The patronage of Jainism by the prosperous mercantile communities (Mahajanas) of the region |
| 100 | (a) I, III, II |
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.