Q71. The distinctive Black and Red Ware (BRW) pottery found at Ahar is predominantly decorated with paintings in which color?
Prehistoric Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
119 RAS Prelims MCQs on prehistoric Rajasthan cover the period before written records, from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. The questions ask which site belongs to which phase, which excavator worked where and which tools mark each culture. Didwana, Bagor, Ahar and Ganeshwar come up repeatedly, so learn each site with its district, river and phase.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 71–80 of 119 questions
Q72. Select the correct chronological sequence of initial excavations of the following Mewar region Chalcolithic sites:
Explanation
The archaeological exploration of major Mewar Chalcolithic sites followed a specific chronological order. Ahar was first excavated in the early 1950s by Akshay Kirti Vyas. This was followed by B.B. Lal’s excavations at Gilund in 1959-60. Finally, the site of Balathal was systematically excavated starting in the 1990s. This progression of research has continuously refined our understanding of the culture’s depth.
Q73. The Chalcolithic site of Gilund was first excavated by which eminent archaeologist in 1959-60?
Explanation
The significant Chalcolithic site of Gilund was first excavated by the eminent archaeologist B.B. Lal in 1959-60. His work revealed that Gilund was a major regional center of the Ahar culture, featuring complex architecture and significant material remains. Lal’s findings highlighted the cultural connections between different regions of Rajasthan and provided a clearer picture of the culture beyond its type site.
Q74. Gilund, a significant regional center of the Banas culture, is situated near which river?
Explanation
Gilund is a vital archaeological site located within the Banas river basin in Rajsamand district. Its proximity to the Banas river provided the necessary water resources for agriculture and domestic use, supporting a large sedentary population during the Chalcolithic period. As a major center of the Ahar culture, Gilund’s location was strategic for trade and resource management, contributing to its cultural importance.
Q75. Identify the correct statement that highlights a major architectural difference between Gilund and Ahar.
Explanation
A major architectural difference between Gilund and Ahar is the use of building materials. While Ahar relied almost exclusively on stone and mud bricks, Gilund features the prominent use of baked bricks in some of its larger structures. This use of fired bricks indicates a higher degree of technological investment and perhaps a different social or functional status for Gilund within the culture.
Q76. Consider the following statements about the structural remains at Gilund:
I. Excavations revealed a complex of parallel mud-brick walls.
II. Large circular pits found at the site were likely used for grain storage.
III. The site completely lacks evidence of wattle-and-daub construction.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Excavations revealed a complex of parallel mud-brick walls.
II. Large circular pits found at the site were likely used for grain storage.
III. The site completely lacks evidence of wattle-and-daub construction.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Excavations at Gilund uncovered impressive structural remains, including a complex of parallel mud-brick walls that may have served as the base for a large public building. Additionally, large circular pits were discovered, which were likely utilized for long-term grain storage. While wattle-and-daub construction was indeed present for smaller dwellings, the massive brick features highlight the site’s importance as a center.
Q77. Which of the following materials is NOT typically found in the artifact hoards of the Ahar-Gilund culture?
Explanation
The Ahar-Gilund culture is defined by its rich Chalcolithic material assemblage. Common findings include copper axes, various steatite beads, and characteristic terracotta bull figurines, which may have had ritual significance. However, iron swords are not found in these hoards, as the Ahar culture flourished before the Iron Age. The appearance of iron weapons represents a much later technological and military transition.
Q78. Which of the following pottery types is an odd one out regarding the primary ceramic assemblage of Gilund?
Explanation
The ceramic assemblage at Gilund primarily includes Black and Red Ware, Plain Red Ware, and occasionally Painted Grey Ware in later levels. These reflect the site’s Chalcolithic and Iron Age transitions. In contrast, Northern Black Polished Ware is an odd one out, as it is a luxury ceramic characteristic of the much later Urban Revolution, appearing long after the site’s peak.
Q79. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Assertion (A): Gilund is considered a major regional center of the Ahar culture rather than a simple village.
Reason (R): It features extensive structural complexes, including parallel walls and significant storage facilities indicative of a complex economy.
Assertion (A): Gilund is considered a major regional center of the Ahar culture rather than a simple village.
Reason (R): It features extensive structural complexes, including parallel walls and significant storage facilities indicative of a complex economy.
Explanation
Gilund is recognized as a major regional center because of its impressive archaeological profile. The presence of extensive structural complexes, including massive parallel walls and sophisticated grain storage pits, points to a highly organized and complex economy. These features suggest that Gilund functioned as a central place for resource management and administration within the broader Ahar-Banas cultural network in southeastern Rajasthan.
Q80. The Ganeshwar civilization, known for its rich copper artifacts, is situated on the banks of which seasonal river?
Explanation
The Ganeshwar civilization, a crucial center of early metallurgy, flourished on the banks of the Kantli river in the Sikar district. This seasonal river provided essential water for the community and its smelting activities. The site’s location was highly strategic, being situated near the rich copper ores of the Khetri belt, which allowed it to become a primary copper supplier.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) White |
| 72 | (a) Ahar Gilund Balathal |
| 73 | (c) B.B. Lal |
| 74 | (a) Banas |
| 75 | (d) Gilund shows prominent use of baked bricks in certain massive structures, unlike Ahar. |
| 76 | (a) I and II only |
| 77 | (c) Iron swords |
| 78 | (a) Northern Black Polished Ware |
| 79 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 80 | (b) Kantli |
Key facts from Prehistoric Rajasthan
- Didwana in Nagaur district is a Lower Palaeolithic site, excavated by V. N. Misra among others.
- Bagor in Bhilwara district stands on the Kothari river and is a Mesolithic site with early evidence of animal domestication.
- Ahar, in the Mewar region, gives its name to the Ahar or Banas Chalcolithic culture; its first excavation was in 1953 by Akshay Kirti Vyas.
- Ganeshwar in Sikar district lies on the Kantli river and supplied copper to the Harappan civilization.
- Kalibangan in Hanumangarh district is a Harappan site, so it is the odd one out among Lower Palaeolithic sites.
- The Chalcolithic period is the one marked by the joint use of stone and copper.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Prehistoric Rajasthan?
This page has 119 practice MCQs on Prehistoric Rajasthan (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Where is the Bagor site and what is it known for?
Bagor is in Bhilwara district, on the banks of the Kothari river. It is a Mesolithic site, known for its microlithic tools and for some of the earliest evidence of animal domestication in the Indian subcontinent. V. N. Misra led its excavation.
Which river is linked to the Ganeshwar site?
The Kantli river, in Sikar district. Ganeshwar yielded a large number of copper objects, and it is described as a copper-supplying centre to the Harappan civilization, which makes it one of the most quoted Chalcolithic sites of the state.
What does the term Chalcolithic mean?
It describes a culture that used both stone and copper tools side by side. In Rajasthan the Chalcolithic Ahar or Banas culture flourished in the Banas river system of the south-east, with Ahar in Udaipur district as its type site.