Q211. In the context of historical narratives, what was the primary focus of the text ‘Pabuji ri Baat’?
Rajasthan History, Art and Culture: RAS Prelims MCQs
1767 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on the history, art, culture, literature and heritage of Rajasthan are on this page, in 17 chapters. They run from prehistoric sites and inscriptions through the Rajput dynasties, the Mughal and British periods and the integration of Rajasthan, then move to forts, painting, folk arts, language, saints, fairs and leading personalities. Questions come as plain facts, statement sets, match-the-list tables and assertion-reason items, each with an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q212. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Rajputana Gazetteers’:
I. They were compiled under the supervision of British administrators like K. D. Erskine.
II. They lack statistical data regarding population and land revenue.
III. They provide anthropological notes on various tribes and castes of Rajasthan.
IV. They are essential for understanding the transition of Rajputana states during the colonial period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They were compiled under the supervision of British administrators like K. D. Erskine.
II. They lack statistical data regarding population and land revenue.
III. They provide anthropological notes on various tribes and castes of Rajasthan.
IV. They are essential for understanding the transition of Rajputana states during the colonial period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajputana Gazetteers were compiled by British officials like K. D. Erskine to provide a systematic overview of the princely states. They contain extensive anthropological notes and are vital for understanding the colonial transition. Contrary to one statement, these gazetteers actually include a wealth of statistical data regarding population and land revenue, which was a primary reason for their compilation by the British administration.
Q213. The discovery of seals bearing the Brahmi legend ‘Bhadrapavasa’ is associated with which archaeological site?
Explanation
The discovery of seals with the Brahmi legend Bhadrapavasa occurred at the archaeological site of Rairh in the Tonk district. Rairh is often called the Tata Nagar of ancient India due to the massive quantities of coins and iron tools found there. These seals provide evidence of the administrative and commercial significance of the site during the early historical period, highlighting its role as a regional economic hub.
Q214. Match List I with List II:
Choose the correct code:
| Term | Meaning/Context |
|---|---|
| A. Yupa | i. Commemorative stone for a widow who immolated herself |
| B. Prashasti | ii. Copper plate documenting land grants |
| C. Sati Pillar | iii. Sacrificial pillar inscription |
| D. Tamrapatra | iv. Eulogistic inscription praising a king |
Explanation
Historical terms in Rajasthan have specific meanings: a Yupa is a sacrificial pillar inscription, and a Prashasti is an inscription praising a king’s achievements. A Sati Pillar commemorates a widow who immolated herself, while a Tamrapatra is a copper plate recording land grants. These distinct types of records collectively provide a comprehensive view of the religious, political, and social practices of the ancient and medieval periods.
Q215. Which famous historical text details the siege of Ranthambore by Alauddin Khalji and the ultimate sacrifice (Jauhar) by Queen Rangadevi?
Explanation
Hammir Mahakavya, authored by Nayanchandra Suri, provides a dramatic and detailed account of the siege of Ranthambore in 1301 AD. It recounts the heroic defense by Rana Hammir Chauhan against Alauddin Khalji and describes the first recorded Jauhar in Rajasthan, performed by Queen Rangadevi and other women. The text is essential for understanding the chivalric codes and the historical conflict between regional powers and the Sultanate.
Q216. The term ‘Dingal’ in the context of literary sources refers to:
Explanation
Dingal is a specialized poetic style and literary language used primarily by the Charan bards of western Rajasthan. It is characterized by its rhythmic flow and heroic themes, often used to praise the valor of Rajput kings. As a literary form of the Marwari language, Dingal has played a crucial role in preserving the regional history, folklore, and cultural identity of Rajasthan through epic poetry.
Q217. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The discovery of Indo-Sassanian coins (Gadhia) in various parts of Rajasthan indicates extensive trade networks during the early medieval period.
Reason (R): Gadhia coins are completely indigenous and bear no influence of foreign coinage styles. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The discovery of Indo-Sassanian coins (Gadhia) in various parts of Rajasthan indicates extensive trade networks during the early medieval period.
Reason (R): Gadhia coins are completely indigenous and bear no influence of foreign coinage styles. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
Indo-Sassanian coins, commonly known as Gadhia coins, are found across Rajasthan and indicate active trade networks during the early medieval period. However, the reason stating they were completely indigenous is false. These coins were actually inspired by Sassanian coinage from Persia, later undergoing a process of localization where the original features became stylized and abstract, reflecting a blend of foreign influence and regional minting traditions.
Q218. Which of the following best defines the ‘Bahidas’ in the archival records?
Explanation
In the administrative hierarchy of Rajput states, Bahidas were the clerks or officials tasked with the meticulous maintenance of Bahis, which were daily ledgers and account books. Their role was crucial for the state’s financial and administrative transparency, as they recorded tax collections, expenditures, and official orders. These officials ensured that the records were up-to-date, serving as the custodians of the state’s bureaucratic history.
Q219. Match List I with List II:
Choose the correct code:
| Traveller/Author | Association/Work |
|---|---|
| A. Hiuen Tsang | i. Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan |
| B. William Franklin | ii. Recorded Bairath as ‘Po-li-ye-to-lo’ |
| C. James Tod | iii. Conducted a bardic survey in Bikaner |
| D. L. P. Tessitori | iv. First used the term ‘Rajputana’ in writing (1805) |
Explanation
Hiuen Tsang referred to Bairath as Po-li-ye-to-lo, while William Franklin first used the term Rajputana in his 1805 work. James Tod is famously associated with the Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. L. P. Tessitori is noted for his extensive survey of bardic literature in Bikaner. These associations highlight the diverse group of travelers and scholars who contributed to the documented history of the region.
Q220. Consider the following statements regarding the inscription of Chirwa (1273 AD):
I. It is written in Sanskrit.
II. It provides information about the Guhila rulers Jaitra Singh, Tej Singh, and Samar Singh.
III. It mentions the practice of Sati and the existence of the Pashupata sect in Mewar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is written in Sanskrit.
II. It provides information about the Guhila rulers Jaitra Singh, Tej Singh, and Samar Singh.
III. It mentions the practice of Sati and the existence of the Pashupata sect in Mewar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Chirwa Inscription of 1273 AD is a Sanskrit record found in Mewar that provides valuable genealogical information about Guhila rulers like Jaitra Singh and Tej Singh. It is particularly significant for historians because it mentions social practices like Sati and the prominence of the Pashupata sect. These details offer a broader perspective on the religious and social fabric of thirteenth-century Mewar, beyond just political history.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 211 | (b) The heroic deeds and folk deity status of Pabuji. |
| 212 | (b) I, III, and IV |
| 213 | (a) Rairh |
| 214 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 215 | (b) Hammir Mahakavya |
| 216 | (b) The poetic style of the western Rajasthani (Marwari) language. |
| 217 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 218 | (c) State officials or clerks responsible for maintaining the Bahis. |
| 219 | (d) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 220 | (d) I, II and III |
Key facts from Rajasthan History, Art and Culture
- Rajasthan history questions are fact-dense: sites with their districts, rulers with their forts, inscriptions with their dates.
- The integration of Rajasthan came in stages: the Matsya Union on 18 March 1948, the Rajasthan Union on 25 March 1948 and the United State of Rajasthan on 18 April 1948.
- Culture chapters reward pairs: a dance with its community, a painting school with its subject, a fair with its month.
- Statement-based and match-the-list items appear in every chapter, so partial knowledge is not enough; learn each fact with its context.
- Fort and monument questions often turn on one detail, such as the Jaivana cannon at Jaigarh or the 1,444 pillars of Ranakpur.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rajasthan History, Art and Culture?
This page has 1767 practice MCQs on Rajasthan History, Art and Culture. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Rajasthan history, art and culture set cover?
Seventeen chapters: prehistoric Rajasthan, sources of history, ancient society, major dynasties, resistance and cooperation with central power, administration and revenue, the 18th and 19th centuries, peasant and tribal movements, integration, temples and forts, water heritage, painting, performing arts, language, religious life, social life and leading personalities.
What types of questions are included?
Plain one-fact questions, statement sets (I, II, III), match-the-list tables, assertion-reason items, chronological-order questions and odd-one-out questions. The answer options use the same four-option format as the exam, so you can practise the pattern as well as the facts.
How should I revise Rajasthan history with these questions?
Take one chapter at a time. Attempt every question before opening the answer, read the explanation for the ones you got wrong and note each fact in a running list of places, rulers and dates. Return to the chapter after a few days and attempt it again.