Q461. The region of Hadoti, historically ruled by the Hadas, primarily comprises which present-day districts?
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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Q462. Which Kachwaha ruler performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, considered the last such grand Vedic sacrifice performed by a Hindu king?
Explanation
Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur was a unique ruler who sought to revive ancient Vedic traditions. In 1742, he performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, or horse sacrifice, which is considered the last major performance of this grand Vedic ritual by an Indian king. This act was intended to proclaim his sovereignty and religious authority, marking a significant moment in the late medieval history of Rajasthan.
Q463. Consider the following historical texts:
I. Prithviraj Raso
II. Padmavat
III. Nainsi ri Khyat
IV. Vamsha Bhaskar
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their composition?
I. Prithviraj Raso
II. Padmavat
III. Nainsi ri Khyat
IV. Vamsha Bhaskar
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their composition?
Explanation
The literary history of Rajasthan follows a clear timeline. The Prithviraj Raso was composed in the late twelfth century. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the Padmavat in 1540 during the Sur dynasty. Muhnot Nainsi authored his famous Khyat in the mid-seventeenth century. Finally, the Vamsha Bhaskar was written by Surajmal Misran in the nineteenth century, representing a late example of the grand bardic tradition.
Q464. The architectural form known as ‘Chhatri’ (cenotaph) prevalent in Rajasthan is a structural synthesis of:
Explanation
The ‘Chhatri’ is a quintessential feature of Rajasthani funerary architecture, serving as a memorial for royals and nobles. Structurally, it represents a synthesis of traditional Rajput open pavilion designs, characterized by pillars and lintels, and the rounded domes introduced by Mughal architecture. These cenotaphs are often intricately carved and placed on elevated platforms, creating a striking silhouette in the desert landscape.
Q465. Consider the following statements regarding the decline of major Rajput dynasties:
I. The rigid clan structure prevented the formation of a unified Rajput empire.
II. Continuous warfare severely drained the economic resources of the states.
III. Internal successions disputes were frequently exploited by external powers.
IV. Strategic reliance on forts proved ineffective against Mughal artillery.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The rigid clan structure prevented the formation of a unified Rajput empire.
II. Continuous warfare severely drained the economic resources of the states.
III. Internal successions disputes were frequently exploited by external powers.
IV. Strategic reliance on forts proved ineffective against Mughal artillery.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Several factors contributed to the decline of Rajput political power. Their rigid clan-based structure made it nearly impossible to form a unified, lasting empire. Constant internal warfare drained their economic resources, while frequent succession disputes allowed external powers like the Mughals to intervene. Finally, their traditional reliance on hilltop forts became a strategic disadvantage when faced with the modern artillery of the Mughal army.
Q466. Which Rajput clan claims their descent from Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama?
Explanation
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty claimed descent from Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama. According to their inscriptions, Lakshmana served as the ‘door-keeper’ or ‘Pratihara’ for his brother, and the clan adopted this name to signify their role as the protectors of the land. This legendary origin provided them with a high status in the traditional social hierarchy and linked them to the Solar race.
Q467. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Rajput Dynasties | Ancient Capitals |
|---|---|
| A. Guhilas | i. Shakambhari |
| B. Chauhans | ii. Nagda |
| C. Rathores | iii. Dausa |
| D. Kachwahas | iv. Mandore |
Explanation
The ancient capitals of the major Rajput dynasties highlight their early centers of power. The Guhilas initially established themselves at Nagda. The Chauhans were associated with Shakambhari, from where they later moved to Ajmer. The Rathores first rose to prominence at Mandore before founding Jodhpur. The Kachwahas began their rule in the Dhundhar region, with Dausa serving as one of their earliest administrative seats.
Q468. The inscription which describes the Chauhans as "Vatsa Gotra Brahmins" is:
Explanation
The Bijolia rock inscription of 1170 CE is a vital historical source for the Chahamana dynasty. It specifically describes the Chauhans as "Vatsa Gotra Brahmins," suggesting a priestly origin that later transitioned into a martial one. This inscription also lists the genealogy of the dynasty and mentions numerous ancient place names, providing essential data for reconstructing the early political geography of medieval Rajasthan.
Q469. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Prithviraj III could not consolidate his victory after the First Battle of Tarain.
Reason (R): He allowed Muhammad Ghori’s forces to retreat rather than pursuing and destroying them.
Which of the following is correct?
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Prithviraj III could not consolidate his victory after the First Battle of Tarain.
Reason (R): He allowed Muhammad Ghori’s forces to retreat rather than pursuing and destroying them.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
After defeating Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191, Prithviraj III failed to capitalize on his success. Rather than pursuing the retreating Ghorid army and permanently eliminating the threat, he allowed them to return to Ghazni. This strategic error gave Ghori the time to regroup and return with a more organized force the following year, leading to Prithviraj’s final defeat.
Q470. The Guhila ruler who successfully resisted the invasion of the Gujarat Sultan Qutbuddin Ahmad Shah and was known as a great builder was:
Explanation
Rana Kumbha of Mewar was a brilliant military strategist and a prolific builder who successfully defended his kingdom against multiple invasions. He famously repelled the forces of Qutbuddin Ahmad Shah of Gujarat and Mahmud Khalji of Malwa. His reign is also celebrated for the construction of thirty-two forts, including the formidable Kumbhalgarh, and for his immense contributions to the arts and literature of Mewar.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 461 | (b) Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar |
| 462 | (d) Sawai Jai Singh II |
| 463 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 464 | (c) Rajput pavilion architecture and Mughal domes |
| 465 | (b) I, II, III and IV |
| 466 | (d) Gurjara-Pratiharas |
| 467 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 468 | (c) Bijolia Inscription |
| 469 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 470 | (a) Rana Kumbha |
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.