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 51–60 of 120 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q51. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below: Statement I: The internal trade routes of Rajasthan were essential for transporting copper from the Aravallis to the Ganges valley. Statement II: The emergence of urban centers like Nagar and Rairh was completely independent of trade route networks.
Explanation
Rajasthan’s internal trade routes were vital for moving raw materials like copper from the Aravallis to the more populated Gangetic plains. Urban centers like Nagar and Rairh did not emerge in isolation; their growth was directly linked to their strategic positions along these trade routes. these networks facilitated the flow of goods, wealth, and cultural influences that sustained ancient urban life.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q52. The presence of massive brick fortifications and structural remains at Nagari (ancient Madhyamika) suggests that ancient urban centers in Rajasthan served primarily as:
Explanation
The discovery of massive brick fortifications and substantial structural remains at Nagari (ancient Madhyamika) indicates that urban centers in ancient Rajasthan were more than just markets. They served as primary political and administrative capitals for tribal republics and regional kingdoms. These fortifications were necessary for defense against rival groups and invading forces, highlighting the strategic importance of such settlements.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q53. The earliest evidence of Vaishnavism in Rajasthan is found in the form of a stone inscription at:
Explanation
The Ghosundi Inscription, found near Chittorgarh, is the earliest epigraphic evidence of Vaishnavism in Rajasthan. It mentions the construction of a stone wall around a place of worship for Sankarshana and Vasudeva. This inscription is a crucial source for understanding the early development of Bhagavatism and the religious shifts occurring in the region during the second century BCE.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q54. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Scholars/Texts
Relevance to Ancient/Early Medieval Rajasthan
A. Brahmagupta
i. Authored Shishupala Vadha at Bhinmal
B. Magha
ii. Authored Brahmasphutasiddhanta at Bhinmal
C. Haribhadra Suri
iii. Associated with Jain literature in Chittor/ Rajasthan
D. Chandbardai
iv. Authored Prithviraj Raso (transition to medieval)
Explanation
Rajasthan has a rich literary history. Brahmagupta wrote the Brahmasphutasiddhanta in Bhinmal, while Magha authored the Shishupala Vadha in the same city. Haribhadra Suri was a significant Jain scholar associated with Chittor. Chandbardai wrote the Prithviraj Raso, which marks the transition into medieval literature. These scholars reflect the high level of scientific and poetic achievement in the region.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q55. Which of the following statements accurately describes the early art and architecture of ancient Rajasthan?
Explanation
Ancient architecture in Rajasthan was diverse but dominated by specific materials. Early structural remains are mainly brick buildings, as seen at Bairath and Kalibangan. Terracotta plaques were common for decoration, and stone was used for pillars and inscriptions. While stone temples became prominent later, the earliest phases did not feature massive monolithic rock-cut temples or exclusive use of marble.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q56. Consider the following statements regarding the centers of education in ancient Rajasthan: I. Agrahara grants were intended to sustain learned Brahmanas to impart education. II. Buddhist viharas at Bairath functioned as early centers of monastic learning. III. Bhinmal emerged as a prominent hub for astronomy and mathematics. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Education in ancient Rajasthan was multifaceted and well-supported. Agrahara grants provided for Vedic scholars, while Buddhist viharas, like the one at Bairath, served as monastic learning centers. Bhinmal became a world-renowned hub for advanced studies in astronomy and mathematics. These various institutions collectively ensured that the region remained a significant center for both spiritual and scientific knowledge for centuries.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q57. Based on archaeological findings at ancient sites in Rajasthan like Ahar and Gilund, the traditional utensils used for cooking and storing food were predominantly made of:
Explanation
Archaeological findings from Chalcolithic sites like Ahar and Gilund show that pottery was the primary material for household items. The most characteristic type found is Black-and-Red ware, used for cooking, eating, and storage. While metal tools were present, common people relied on these durable and functional ceramic vessels for their daily needs, rather than expensive items made of glass or gold.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q58. Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below: Assertion (A): The Sunari and Jodhpura sites in Rajasthan demonstrate significant advancement in ancient metallurgy. Reason (R): Excavations at these sites have revealed evidence of ancient iron smelting furnaces.
Explanation
The sites of Sunari and Jodhpura are highly significant for understanding early metallurgy in Rajasthan. Excavations at these locations have revealed ancient iron smelting furnaces and slag, proving that the inhabitants had advanced technical knowledge. This ability to produce iron locally was a major factor in the economic development and military strength of the region during the early Iron Age.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q59. All of the following were recognized ancient coin types found in significant hoards in Rajasthan, EXCEPT:
Explanation
Ancient Rajasthan’s economic history is marked by various coin types found in hoards. These include punch-marked silver coins, which were the earliest currency, as well as copper coins from tribal republics like the Malavas. Indo-Greek drachmas also circulated in the region. British East India Company Mohurs, however, belong to the colonial period and are not part of the ancient coin hoards.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q60. The transition from ancient to early medieval Rajasthan was marked by the decline of powerful centralized empires. What was the primary political effect of this decline in the region?
Explanation
The decline of centralized empires like the Guptas led to a power vacuum in Rajasthan. This was filled by the rise of various regional Rajput clans who established their own principalities. This period saw the proliferation of the Samanta or feudal system, where political authority was fragmented among local lords, fundamentally altering the governance and social structure of the region.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
52
(d) Fortified political and administrative hubs capable of defense
53
(c) Ghosundi
54
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv
55
(d) The early architectural remains primarily consist of brick structures, terracotta plaques, and stone pillars.
56
(d) I, II and III
57
(c) Black-and-Red ware pottery
58
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
59
(d) British East India Company Mohurs
60
(b) The rise of regional Rajput clans and the proliferation of the Samanta system
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.
