Q241. Which of the following tribal communities is widely referenced in ancient texts and epics as indigenous inhabitants of the Aravalli region and played a significant role in the early socio-political landscape of Rajasthan?
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.
Showing 241–250 of 1767 questions
Browse Rajasthan History, Art and Culture chapters
Q242. The earliest epigraphic evidence of the Sati system in Rajasthan, reflecting the changing position of women during the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period, is found in which of the following inscriptions?
Explanation
The Ghatiyala Inscription provides one of the earliest recorded epigraphic evidences of the Sati system in Rajasthan. Dating back to the ninth century, it reflects the social changes occurring during the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period. This inscription highlights the emergence of specific martial traditions and the shifting societal position of women within the regional context.
Q243. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the options given below:
| Forms of Marriage in Ancient Texts | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. Brahma | i. Marriage by capturing the bride |
| B. Daiva | ii. Marriage by giving a dowry or bride price to the father |
| C. Asura | iii. Giving the daughter to a priest during a sacrifice |
| D. Rakshasa | iv. Giving the daughter with proper dowry to a learned man |
Explanation
Ancient Indian texts classify marriages into eight forms with distinct characteristics. Brahma involves giving a daughter with a dowry to a learned man. Daiva refers to giving her to a priest during a sacrifice. Asura involves paying a bride price to the father, while Rakshasa is marriage by capture. These classifications reflect the diverse social and economic customs of the time.
Q244. The term ‘Sreni’ in the economic life of ancient Rajasthan refers to which of the following?
Explanation
In ancient Rajasthan, the term Sreni refers to a corporate organization of merchants, craftsmen, or artisans. These guilds were essential for regulating economic activities, maintaining quality standards, and protecting the interests of their members. They often possessed significant administrative and financial autonomy, sometimes even issuing their own coinage and maintaining private militias to safeguard their commercial trade routes.
Q245. Consider the following statements regarding the ancient trade routes passing through Rajasthan:
I. The ancient Dakshinapatha route connected major northern cities to the south, passing through parts of eastern Rajasthan.
II. The route connecting Mathura to Ujjain passed through Bairath and Madhyamika.
III. The desert regions of western Rajasthan were entirely bypassed by all ancient caravan routes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The ancient Dakshinapatha route connected major northern cities to the south, passing through parts of eastern Rajasthan.
II. The route connecting Mathura to Ujjain passed through Bairath and Madhyamika.
III. The desert regions of western Rajasthan were entirely bypassed by all ancient caravan routes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Major ancient trade routes like the Dakshinapatha passed through eastern Rajasthan, connecting northern cities to the south. Another vital route linked Mathura to Ujjain via Bairath and Madhyamika. It is incorrect to claim that western Rajasthan was entirely bypassed; numerous caravan routes traversed the desert to reach western seaports, facilitating long-distance trade and the exchange of local goods.
Q246. The ancient urban centre of Madhyamika, known for its significant archaeological remains and structural developments, is identified with which modern location in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Madhyamika is an important ancient urban center identified with the modern site of Nagari in Chittorgarh district. Excavations there have revealed significant structural remains and archaeological evidence from the Sibi Janapada. The site highlights the region’s early urban development and provides insights into the political and religious life of ancient Rajasthan, particularly the early influence of Vaishnavism and tribal republics.
Q247. Consider the following Assertion (A) and
Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): The practice of Vedic sacrifices was prevalent in ancient Rajasthan during the post-Mauryan period.
Reason (R): The Ghosundi Inscription mentions the performance of the Ashvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata.
Reason (R) and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): The practice of Vedic sacrifices was prevalent in ancient Rajasthan during the post-Mauryan period.
Reason (R): The Ghosundi Inscription mentions the performance of the Ashvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata.
Explanation
Vedic sacrifices remained prevalent in ancient Rajasthan during the post-Mauryan period. The Ghosundi Inscription serves as a primary epigraphic source confirming this practice by recording the Ashvamedha Yajna performed by King Sarvatata. This evidence underscores the continued importance of Vedic rituals and the patronage they received from regional rulers who sought to establish their religious and political authority.
Q248. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the emergence of Buddhism in ancient Rajasthan:
Explanation
Buddhism had a strong presence in ancient Rajasthan, particularly at Bairath, where a circular brick temple and monastery were excavated. The Bhabru Edict confirms Ashoka’s devotion to the faith. However, there is no evidence of extensive rock-cut Buddhist chaityas from the Mauryan period in Jaisalmer. Such architectural features are typically found in other regions like Jhalawar or external sites.
Q249. The prominent terracotta art of ancient Rajasthan, specifically the distinctive moulded plaques depicting secular and religious themes, was primarily discovered at which site?
Explanation
Rangmahal is a prominent archaeological site in northern Rajasthan known for its distinctive terracotta art. Excavations discovered numerous moulded plaques and figurines depicting secular and religious themes. These artifacts show influences from the Gandhara and Mathura schools, reflecting the high level of artistic skill and the vibrant cultural interactions occurring in the region during the early centuries of the common era.
Q250. Consider the following statements regarding Bhinmal as a centre of education and learning in ancient Rajasthan:
I. It was the capital of the Gurjara region in ancient times.
II. The renowned mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta resided here.
III. The Sanskrit poet Magha, author of Shishupala Vadha, was associated with this city.
IV. It was exclusively a center for Buddhist learning with no presence of Vedic or Jain scholars.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It was the capital of the Gurjara region in ancient times.
II. The renowned mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta resided here.
III. The Sanskrit poet Magha, author of Shishupala Vadha, was associated with this city.
IV. It was exclusively a center for Buddhist learning with no presence of Vedic or Jain scholars.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Bhinmal was a renowned center of education and the ancient capital of the Gurjara region. It was the residence of the famous mathematician Brahmagupta and the Sanskrit poet Magha. While it was a hub for diverse intellectual pursuits, it was not exclusively a Buddhist center; it hosted a vibrant mix of Vedic, Jain, and other scholarly traditions throughout the ancient period.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 241 | (a) The Bhils |
| 242 | (c) Ghatiyala Inscription |
| 243 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 244 | (c) A guild or organization of merchants and artisans |
| 245 | (a) I and II only |
| 246 | (d) Nagari |
| 247 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 248 | (c) Extensive structural rock-cut Buddhist chaityas from the Mauryan period are found in Jaisalmer. |
| 249 | (a) Rangmahal |
| 250 | (a) I, II and III only |
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.