Q101. In the context of ancient Indian society as applied to Rajasthan, the term ‘Brahmasteya’ 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 101–110 of 120 questions
Q102. Archaeological evidence from ancient sites like Bagor and Tilwara suggests that before the widespread adoption of settled agriculture, the economy and food habits of early Rajasthan were primarily based on:
Explanation
Before the widespread adoption of settled agriculture, early inhabitants of Rajasthan at sites like Bagor and Tilwara relied heavily on a pastoralist economy. They focused on animal husbandry, particularly the herding of sheep, goats, and cattle. This lifestyle was well-suited to the regional environment and provided a stable source of food through dairy and meat, serving as a transitional phase.
Q103. The discovery of copious amounts of copper slag and specialized copper tools at the Ahar site confirms the existence of which of the following occupational communities in ancient Rajasthan?
Explanation
The abundance of copper slag and specialized tools at Ahar confirms that the site was a major center for copper production. This evidence points to the existence of a dedicated community of coppersmiths and metallurgists. These skilled artisans were responsible for smelting copper ore and crafting various items, which were then traded across the region, making metallurgy a cornerstone of the economy.
Q104. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the options given below:
| Ancient Region/Janapada | Modern Core Area in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. Matsya Janapada | i. Bikaner-Nagaur region |
| B. Sursena Janapada (influence) | ii. Jaipur-Alwar region |
| C. Jangaladesha | iii. Bharatpur-Dholpur region |
| D. Sibi Janapada | iv. Chittorgarh-Udaipur region |
Explanation
Ancient Rajasthan was divided into several regional Janapadas. The Matsya Janapada covered the Jaipur-Alwar area, while the Sursena influence was seen in the Bharatpur-Dholpur region. Jangaladesha refers to the arid northern region of Bikaner and Nagaur. The Sibi Janapada was centered in the southern Mewar region around Chittorgarh. These divisions reflect the early tribal and political geography of the state.
Q105. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Statement I: The transition saw the crystallization of the Rajput identity and the formation of numerous regional principalities.
Statement II: This period was characterized by a resurgence of highly centralized pan-Indian empires directly ruling Rajasthan.
Statement I: The transition saw the crystallization of the Rajput identity and the formation of numerous regional principalities.
Statement II: This period was characterized by a resurgence of highly centralized pan-Indian empires directly ruling Rajasthan.
Explanation
The transition period in Rajasthan was marked by the crystallization of a new political identity among regional clans, leading to the rise of the Rajputs. This era was characterized by the formation of many independent regional principalities rather than the dominance of a single centralized pan-Indian empire. This shift toward local power centers and decentralized governance defined the early medieval landscape.
Q106. Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system and social mobility in ancient Rajasthan:
I. The rigid boundaries of the Varna system were occasionally blurred by the rise of politically powerful tribal and foreign groups.
II. Land grants to Brahmanas enhanced their social and economic status significantly.
III. The Vaishyas largely abandoned trade and became the primary warrior class during the Mauryan period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The rigid boundaries of the Varna system were occasionally blurred by the rise of politically powerful tribal and foreign groups.
II. Land grants to Brahmanas enhanced their social and economic status significantly.
III. The Vaishyas largely abandoned trade and became the primary warrior class during the Mauryan period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The varna system in ancient Rajasthan allowed some flexibility, especially for powerful foreign or tribal groups to be assimilated into the ruling class. Additionally, land grants to Brahmanas significantly bolstered their social and economic standing. However, it is incorrect to say Vaishyas abandoned trade to become the primary warrior class; their main social and economic role remained rooted in commerce.
Q107. The historical incorporation of tribal deities, such as regional forms of mother goddesses, into the mainstream Brahmanical pantheon in ancient Rajasthan is a prime example of:
Explanation
The process where mainstream Brahmanical traditions incorporated local tribal deities, such as regional mother goddesses, is a clear example of socio-religious assimilation. Rather than rejecting or suppressing these local beliefs, they were integrated and given a place within the wider Hindu pantheon. This syncretism helped create an inclusive religious culture and facilitated the social integration of diverse tribal and agrarian communities.
Q108. Consider the following Assertion (A) and
Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): During the ancient period in Rajasthan, the joint family system was the norm, and the senior male member held the highest authority.
Reason (R): Ancient legal texts and societal norms prescribed a patriarchal structure where property and lineage were traced through the male line.
Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): During the ancient period in Rajasthan, the joint family system was the norm, and the senior male member held the highest authority.
Reason (R): Ancient legal texts and societal norms prescribed a patriarchal structure where property and lineage were traced through the male line.
Explanation
In ancient Rajasthan, the joint family was the fundamental unit of society, governed by patriarchal norms. Legal texts and social customs dictated that lineage and property were traced through the male line, placing the senior male at the head of the household authority. This structure was designed to maintain family unity and provide a stable framework for social and economic life.
Q109. Identify the correct statement regarding the practice of ‘Swayamvara’ in the context of ancient marriage customs:
Explanation
Swayamvara was a specialized marriage custom primarily practiced among noble and royal Kshatriya families in ancient India. It allowed a woman of high status to choose her husband from a group of invited suitors who often had to complete a specific task or demonstrate their skills. This custom highlighted the agency of women in elite matrimonial alliances and significant social events.
Q110. In the context of ancient economic life and agriculture, which of the following is the odd one out regarding crops cultivated in the Chalcolithic/Harappan sites of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Excavations at Harappan and Chalcolithic sites in Rajasthan have provided evidence for the cultivation of various crops including barley, wheat, and mustard. These were the staple crops that supported early agricultural societies. Tea, however, was not known or cultivated in ancient India; it was introduced to the subcontinent much later during the colonial period, making it the odd one out.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (c) Theft of a Brahmana’s property, reflecting their protected status |
| 102 | (b) Pastoralism and animal husbandry |
| 103 | (d) A group of specialized coppersmiths and ancient metallurgists |
| 104 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 105 | (a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 106 | (a) I and II only |
| 107 | (d) Socio-religious assimilation and syncretism |
| 108 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 109 | (c) A woman choosing her husband from an assembled group of suitors |
| 110 | (d) Tea |
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.