Q1. Which of the following statements best describes the primary significance of regional chronicles (Khyats) in understanding the history of Rajasthan?
Sources of Rajasthan History: RAS Prelims MCQs
120 RAS Prelims MCQs on the sources of Rajasthan history ask what each inscription records, who wrote each text and what each archive term means. Archaeological sites, inscriptions on stone and copper, Sanskrit and Rajasthani chronicles and the Bahi and Tozi records of the Rajput states all appear here, so match every source to its date and author.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 120 questions
Q2. In the context of historical sources, what does the term ‘Bahi’ specifically refer to?
Explanation
In the historical context of Rajasthan, a Bahi refers to a meticulously maintained daily account book or ledger. These records were used by state administrations to document financial transactions, land revenue details, and official proceedings. They offer a granular view of the economic activities and administrative routines that governed the princely states during the medieval period.
Q3. Archaeological excavations at the site of Ganeshwar have yielded significant copper artifacts. On the banks of which river is this site located?
Explanation
Ganeshwar is a significant archaeological site located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. Situated on the banks of the Kantli river, it is renowned for its extensive collection of copper artifacts, including arrowheads, fishhooks, and celts. This site is considered a major center of the copper-smelting culture, predating many other historic settlements in the northern region.
Q4. Which of the following archaeological sites in Rajasthan is widely recognized for revealing evidence of mixed economy based on early agriculture and animal husbandry, dating back to the Mesolithic period?
Explanation
Bagor, located on the Kothari river in the Bhilwara district, is a prominent Mesolithic site. It is historically significant for providing some of the earliest evidence of a mixed economy involving both primitive agriculture and animal husbandry. Excavations here have revealed microliths and animal remains, indicating a transitional phase in human subsistence strategies within the Rajasthan region.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding archaeological sources:
Statement I: The site of Ahar provides evidence of a copper-smelting culture, earning it the ancient name ‘Tambavati’.
Statement II: Excavations at Balathal have revealed a large multi-roomed fortified structure and woven cloth from the Chalcolithic period.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The site of Ahar provides evidence of a copper-smelting culture, earning it the ancient name ‘Tambavati’.
Statement II: Excavations at Balathal have revealed a large multi-roomed fortified structure and woven cloth from the Chalcolithic period.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Ahar, located near Udaipur, is famously called Tambavati due to its advanced copper-smelting evidence from ancient times. Similarly, the site of Balathal has provided remarkable archaeological findings, including a massive fortified structure and remnants of woven cloth. Both sites belong to the Ahar-Banas culture, showcasing the sophisticated Chalcolithic civilization that flourished in the Mewar region of Rajasthan.
Q6. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the excavations at Kalibangan?
Explanation
Kalibangan is renowned for its unique archaeological features, such as ploughed fields, fire altars, and evidence of ancient earthquakes. However, the claim regarding the largest hoard of Gupta gold coins is inaccurate. That specific numismatic discovery was made at Bayana in the Bharatpur district, whereas Kalibangan is primarily famous for its Harappan and pre- Harappan urban settlements and artifacts.
Q7. The archaeological site of Bairath (ancient Viratanagara) is historically significant for yielding the remains of a circular Buddhist temple. Which Mauryan ruler’s rock edict was discovered at this site?
Explanation
Bairath, known anciently as Viratanagara, is a crucial historical site that yielded a circular Buddhist temple and Mauryan remains. The most significant epigraphic find here is the Bhabru rock edict issued by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. This edict is vital as it explicitly mentions Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and his deep faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
Q8. Identify the correct pair among the following archaeological sites and their respective districts:
Explanation
Gilund is an important archaeological site belonging to the Ahar-Banas culture located in the Rajsamand district. While other sites like Ojhiyana are in Bhilwara and Noh is in Bharatpur, Gilund stands out for its unique mud-brick structures and diverse pottery. Correct identification of these sites and their respective districts is fundamental for understanding the regional distribution of ancient civilizations.
Q9. Which of the following ancient sites is renowned for the discovery of iron smelting furnaces dating back to the early historic period?
Explanation
Jodhpura, situated in the Jaipur district, is a significant early historic site known for the discovery of ancient iron smelting furnaces. These findings indicate that the region possessed advanced metallurgical knowledge during the transition from the copper-bronze age to the iron age. The site provides valuable evidence regarding the technological development and industrial activities of the early inhabitants of Rajasthan.
Q10. Match List I with List II:
Choose the correct code:
| Archaeological Site | Associated River |
|---|---|
| A. Kalibangan | i. Kothari |
| B. Bagor | ii. Banas / Ahar |
| C. Ahar | iii. Banganga |
| D. Bairath | iv. Ghaggar |
Explanation
Archaeological sites in Rajasthan are often situated along riverbanks, which supported ancient settlements. Kalibangan flourished near the Ghaggar river, while Bagor is associated with the Kothari river. Ahar is linked to the Banas or Ahar river system, and Bairath is located near the Banganga river. Understanding these geographical associations helps reconstruct the environmental context of these ancient cultures.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) They record the lineage, administrative setup, and socio-political conditions of Rajput states locally. |
| 2 | (a) A daily account book or ledger maintained by the administration of Rajput states. |
| 3 | (c) Kantli |
| 4 | (d) Bagor |
| 5 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true. |
| 6 | (b) It has yielded the largest hoard of Gupta period gold coins in Rajasthan. |
| 7 | (d) Ashoka |
| 8 | (a) Gilund - Rajsamand |
| 9 | (c) Jodhpura (Jaipur) |
| 10 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
Key facts from Sources of Rajasthan History
- The Ghosundi inscription belongs to the 2nd century BC and is the earliest evidence of Bhagavata worship of Sankarshana and Vasudeva in the region.
- The Mandasor inscription of 436 AD, from the reign of Kumaragupta I, records a guild of silk weavers and the building of a Sun temple.
- The Kumbhalgarh inscription of 1460 AD, on the Guhila rulers, was composed by Mahesh.
- Prithviraj Raso was composed by Chand Bardai; Prithviraj Vijaya by Jayanak is considered more reliable as history.
- Kanhadade Prabandh by Padmanabha describes the battle of Jalore between Kanhadadeva Chauhan and Alauddin Khalji.
- Muhnot Nainsi wrote Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat, a gazetteer-like work; Munshi Devi Prasad called him the Abul Fazl of Rajputana.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Sources of Rajasthan History?
This page has 120 practice MCQs on Sources of Rajasthan History (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is a Bahi in Rajasthan history?
A Bahi is a daily account book or ledger kept by the administration of a Rajput state. Bahis, along with Tozi records on revenue and production, are important archival sources for the economic and political history of the region.
Who wrote Kuvalayamala and where?
Udyotana Suri wrote Kuvalayamala in 778 AD at Jalore. This long Prakrit work throws light on the society and economy of early medieval Rajasthan and is also an early source that mentions the Maru country and its language.
What does a Tamrapatra record?
A Tamrapatra is a copper plate document recording the grant of land or privileges by a ruler. Because such plates carry names, dates and genealogies, they are among the primary documents used to fix the chronology of dynasties.