Q711. To control the lucrative opium trade from Malwa and Mewar, the British introduced a system where opium could only be exported through Bombay after paying a heavy duty. This system was enforced using:
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 711–720 of 1767 questions
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Q712. The abolition of ‘Rahdari’ (transit duties) in various Rajput states under British pressure was ostensibly done to promote free trade. Who were the actual major beneficiaries of this policy?
Explanation
The abolition of ‘Rahdari’ or transit duties was ostensibly for promoting free trade, but the actual beneficiaries were British merchants. Removing these duties lowered the cost for British machine-made goods to enter and move through the princely states. While it reduced local state revenues, it facilitated the dominance of British products in local markets, further disadvantaging indigenous artisans and transporters.
Q713. Before the British monopolized local resources, which of the following was the most prominent export commodity from Rajputana that generated significant wealth for the local states?
Explanation
Before British monopolization, salt was one of the most prominent export commodities from Rajputana. Large-scale production at lakes like Sambhar generated significant wealth for the local states and provided a livelihood for thousands of people, including the Banjaras. Its trade was a vital part of the regional economy, connecting Rajasthan with various other parts of northern and central India for centuries.
Q714. What was the primary mechanism through which the "Drain of Wealth" occurred from Rajputana to British India?
Explanation
The "Drain of Wealth" from Rajputana occurred primarily through several mechanisms. The princely states were required to pay large annual tributes and fund the maintenance of British-led military contingents. Additionally, unequal trade terms, including the salt monopoly and the influx of British manufactured goods, ensured a constant transfer of capital from the local economy toward the British Indian administrative and commercial centers.
Q715. In the administrative and economic fabric of 18th and 19th-century Rajasthan, the influential class of Seths, Sahukars, and Mahajans primarily held power because:
Explanation
The Mahajan community, including Seths and Sahukars, held significant power because they were the primary financiers of both the princely states and the rural population. They provided essential loans to the rulers for administration and tribute payments, while also controlling the credit available to peasants for agriculture. Their financial control made them indispensable to the political and economic stability of the princely states.
Q716. In the context of the economic history of Rajasthan, a ‘Hundi’ can best be defined as:
Explanation
A Hundi was a bill of exchange or credit note used in long-distance trade. Merchants used it to move money without carrying cash.
Q717. Identify the incorrectly matched pair of a prominent historical merchant/banker family and their primary base in Rajasthan:
Explanation
Prominent merchant families in Rajasthan had specific historical bases, such as Seth Mirzamal in Churu and the Lodha family in Ajmer. Amar Chand Banthia was associated with Bikaner and Gwalior. However, the Birla family’s traditional roots are in Pilani, Shekhawati, rather than Jaisalmer. These families were central to the regional banking system and later became major industrial figures in India.
Q718. Consider the following statements regarding the migration of Marwari Mahajans in the 19th century:
Statement I: A large number of Marwari merchants migrated from Rajputana to British Indian centers like Calcutta, Bombay, and Kanpur.
Statement II: The primary reason for their migration was the highly favorable and protective economic policies offered by the native Rajput rulers.
Statement I: A large number of Marwari merchants migrated from Rajputana to British Indian centers like Calcutta, Bombay, and Kanpur.
Statement II: The primary reason for their migration was the highly favorable and protective economic policies offered by the native Rajput rulers.
Explanation
During the nineteenth century, many Marwari merchants migrated to British Indian commercial centers like Calcutta and Bombay. However, the reason for this migration was not the favorable policies of native rulers. On the contrary, the decline of traditional trade routes and the lack of opportunities within the fragmented princely states drove them toward growing colonial markets where new business prospects were emerging.
Q719. Which of the following was NOT a typical function performed by the leading bankers (Nagar Seths) in the princely states of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Leading bankers or Nagar Seths performed various vital functions, such as minting state currency and advancing Taqavi loans to peasants. They also handled financial obligations like paying the Maratha Chauth for the state. However, they were not traditionally involved in leading religious conversion movements among tribal groups, as their activities were primarily centered on the state’s financial administration and their own commercial interests.
Q720. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for the massive out-migration of the Mahajan community from Rajasthan in the latter half of the 19th century?
Explanation
The massive out-migration of the Mahajan community from Rajasthan in the late nineteenth century was primarily due to economic shifts. The development of colonial ports and railways led to the decline of traditional inland trade routes passing through Rajasthan. Consequently, Marwari merchants moved to rising British commercial hubs like Calcutta and Bombay to take advantage of new and more lucrative business opportunities.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 711 | (c) Opium Agency routing of trade through British territory exclusively |
| 712 | (d) British merchants and machine-made goods manufacturers |
| 713 | (a) Salt |
| 714 | (b) Annual tributes, maintenance of contingents, and unequal trade terms |
| 715 | (b) They financed the state and controlled agricultural credit. |
| 716 | (c) A bill of exchange or credit note used for long-distance trade |
| 717 | (d) Birlas - Jaisalmer |
| 718 | (c) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect. |
| 719 | (b) Leading religious conversion movements among tribal groups |
| 720 | (d) Decline of traditional routes and colonial business opportunities |
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.