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 81–90 of 120 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q81. Consider the following statements regarding ancient trade and routes in Rajasthan: I. The strategic location of Rajasthan facilitated cultural and commercial exchange between the northern plains and the western coast. II. Goods such as copper, semi-precious stones, and textiles were likely exported from ancient Rajasthan. III. There is absolutely no archaeological evidence of internal trade networks between different Chalcolithic sites within Rajasthan. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan’s geography made it a vital bridge for trade between northern India and the western coast, facilitating the export of local goods like copper and textiles. However, it is incorrect to say there is no evidence of internal trade. Archaeological findings show that different Chalcolithic sites within the region frequently exchanged resources and shared technical knowledge, indicating well-established internal economic networks.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q82. In the context of ancient urban and archaeological centers of Rajasthan, which of the following is the odd one out?
Explanation
Ahar, Balathal, and Gilund are all major archaeological sites belonging to the Ahar-Banas culture, which is a specific Chalcolithic tradition located mainly in south-eastern Rajasthan. Kalibangan, while also an ancient urban center in Rajasthan, belongs to the distinct Harappan civilization located in the northern part of the state, making it the odd one out in this cultural and regional grouping.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q83. The presence of Yupas (sacrificial pillars) dating back to the 3rd century CE in Rajasthan is most appropriately interpreted as evidence of:
Explanation
The presence of stone Yupas, or sacrificial pillars, dating to the third century CE in places like Badva and Nandsa, indicates a significant continuation or revival of Vedic rituals. Local rulers and elites erected these pillars to commemorate the performance of elaborate sacrifices. This evidence shows that Vedic traditions remained a powerful religious and political force in Rajasthan long after the Vedic period.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q84. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Ancient Texts/Inscriptions
Significance for Rajasthan
A. Mahabharata
i. Early evidence of Bhagavatism (Vaishnavism)
B. Bhabru Edict
ii. Mentions the Matsya Janapada
C. Ghosundi Inscription
iii. Highlights Ashoka’s devotion to Buddhism
D. Bijolia Inscription
iv. Provides insights into the origin of Chauhans (medieval transition)
Explanation
Ancient sources provide diverse insights into Rajasthan. The Mahabharata mentions the Matsya Janapada, while the Bhabru Edict shows Ashoka’s Buddhist faith. The Ghosundi Inscription is one of the earliest records of Vaishnavism. The Bijolia Inscription is crucial for understanding the origins of the Chauhan dynasty. These documents are fundamental for reconstructing the state’s historical narrative from ancient to early medieval times.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q85. The ancient Buddhist caves of Kholvi, characterized by rock-cut architecture, are located in which present-day district of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Kholvi Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist caves carved out of laterite rock, located in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan. These rock-cut structures, which include stupas and chaityas, are significant examples of Buddhist architecture in the region. Their presence illustrates the spread of Buddhist influence into the south-eastern parts of the state during the early centuries of the common era.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q86. Consider the following statements regarding art and architecture in ancient Rajasthan: I. The terracotta art of Rangmahal shows distinct features of the Gandhara school of art. II. Early temples in Rajasthan were predominantly constructed using structural timber before the shift to stone. III. The discovery of NBPW (Northern Black Polished Ware) indicates interaction with the Gangetic valley cultures. IV. Massive monolithic rock-cut Kailasa temples were built throughout the Thar desert in ancient times. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
While Rangmahal art shows Gandhara influence and early structures used timber, it is false that monolithic rock-cut Kailasa temples were built throughout the Thar desert. Such massive structures like the Kailasa temple are characteristic of places like Ellora. Rajasthan’s ancient desert architecture was more focused on brick and stone structural buildings, fortified towns, and smaller rock-cut caves in localized areas.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q87. Identify the correct statement regarding education and learning in ancient Rajasthan:
Explanation
Historical inscriptions show that the education system in ancient Rajasthan was supported by royal patronage. Kings granted tax-free lands, known as Agraharas, to Brahmanas to maintain centers of learning. These institutions taught a wide range of subjects, including both religious scriptures and secular fields like law and administration. The Agrahara system was a pillar of formal education and cultural preservation.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q88. All of the following were typical features of the food, dress, and social customs of ancient Rajasthan based on archaeological and literary sources, EXCEPT:
Explanation
People in ancient Rajasthan wore ornaments of copper and terracotta and consumed a varied diet of barley, dairy, and meat. Rituals were common for life transitions. However, tailored silk was a luxury item and was not widely used by all social classes. Most common clothing was made from cotton or other local fibers, with silk being reserved for the elite.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q89. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below: Statement I: The localization of specific crafts, such as bead-making and metallurgy, led to the formation of specialized occupational groups in ancient Rajasthan. Statement II: These occupational groups eventually contributed to the hardening of the caste system as their professions became hereditary.
Explanation
In ancient Rajasthan, the focus on specific crafts like metallurgy and bead-making led to the growth of specialized occupational groups. As these skills were passed down within families, the professions became hereditary over time. This economic specialization contributed significantly to the hardening of the caste system, as social identity and occupational roles became increasingly intertwined within the broader Varna framework.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Ancient Rajasthan: Society and Culture
Q90. Which of the following sequences represents the correct chronological evolution of coin usage in ancient Rajasthan?
Explanation
The evolution of coinage in Rajasthan follows a distinct pattern. The earliest were the punch-marked coins, dating back to the sixth century BCE. These were followed by Indo-Greek coins, which entered the region during the post- Mauryan period. Finally, local tribal republics like the Malavas and Sibis issued their own inscribed coins, marking a period of localized political and economic autonomy.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
81
(a) I and II only
82
(a) Kalibangan
83
(c) A revival or strong continuation of Vedic sacrificial traditions by local rulers
84
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv
85
(c) Jhalawar
86
(b) IV only
87
(d) Epigraphs reveal that kings and feudatories patronized Brahmanas through Agraharas to promote scriptural and worldly knowledge.
88
(a) Widespread use of tailored silk garments among all classes of society
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.
