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 91–100 of 120 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q91. Consider the following statements about archival sources: I. ‘Khas Rukka’ was an official letter written by a ruler. II. ‘Arzdasht’ was a petition sent by a subordinate to a ruler. III. ‘Manshur’ was the Mughal Emperor’s order. IV. ‘Kharita’ was a letter sent by one ruler to another ruler. V. ‘Bahi’ records contained daily accounts and genealogical details. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Archival sources from the medieval period include diverse document types. Khas Rukka and Manshur represent orders from Rajput rulers and Mughal emperors, respectively. An Arzdasht is a petition, while a Kharita is formal correspondence between rulers. Bahis are administrative records. Collectively, these documents provide a detailed framework for understanding the hierarchical communications, diplomatic relations, and day-to-day administrative operations of the princely states of Rajasthan.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q92. In the context of historical narratives, what was the primary focus of the text ‘Pabuji ri Baat’?
Explanation
Pabuji ri Baat is a traditional narrative focusing on the life and heroic exploits of the folk deity Pabuji. As one of the five revered Pirs of Rajasthan, his legends emphasize his role as a protector of livestock and a champion of the marginalized. These stories are central to the local folklore and religious identity of western Rajasthan, being performed through oral and visual traditions.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q93. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Rajputana Gazetteers’: I. They were compiled under the supervision of British administrators like K. D. Erskine. II. They lack statistical data regarding population and land revenue. III. They provide anthropological notes on various tribes and castes of Rajasthan. IV. They are essential for understanding the transition of Rajputana states during the colonial period. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajputana Gazetteers were compiled by British officials like K. D. Erskine to provide a systematic overview of the princely states. They contain extensive anthropological notes and are vital for understanding the colonial transition. Contrary to one statement, these gazetteers actually include a wealth of statistical data regarding population and land revenue, which was a primary reason for their compilation by the British administration.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q94. The discovery of seals bearing the Brahmi legend ‘Bhadrapavasa’ is associated with which archaeological site?
Explanation
The discovery of seals with the Brahmi legend Bhadrapavasa occurred at the archaeological site of Rairh in the Tonk district. Rairh is often called the Tata Nagar of ancient India due to the massive quantities of coins and iron tools found there. These seals provide evidence of the administrative and commercial significance of the site during the early historical period, highlighting its role as a regional economic hub.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q95. Match List I with List II:
Term
Meaning/Context
A. Yupa
i. Commemorative stone for a widow who immolated herself
B. Prashasti
ii. Copper plate documenting land grants
C. Sati Pillar
iii. Sacrificial pillar inscription
D. Tamrapatra
iv. Eulogistic inscription praising a king
Choose the correct code:
Explanation
Historical terms in Rajasthan have specific meanings: a Yupa is a sacrificial pillar inscription, and a Prashasti is an inscription praising a king’s achievements. A Sati Pillar commemorates a widow who immolated herself, while a Tamrapatra is a copper plate recording land grants. These distinct types of records collectively provide a comprehensive view of the religious, political, and social practices of the ancient and medieval periods.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q96. Which famous historical text details the siege of Ranthambore by Alauddin Khalji and the ultimate sacrifice (Jauhar) by Queen Rangadevi?
Explanation
Hammir Mahakavya, authored by Nayanchandra Suri, provides a dramatic and detailed account of the siege of Ranthambore in 1301 AD. It recounts the heroic defense by Rana Hammir Chauhan against Alauddin Khalji and describes the first recorded Jauhar in Rajasthan, performed by Queen Rangadevi and other women. The text is essential for understanding the chivalric codes and the historical conflict between regional powers and the Sultanate.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q97. The term ‘Dingal’ in the context of literary sources refers to:
Explanation
Dingal is a specialized poetic style and literary language used primarily by the Charan bards of western Rajasthan. It is characterized by its rhythmic flow and heroic themes, often used to praise the valor of Rajput kings. As a literary form of the Marwari language, Dingal has played a crucial role in preserving the regional history, folklore, and cultural identity of Rajasthan through epic poetry.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q98. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The discovery of Indo-Sassanian coins (Gadhia) in various parts of Rajasthan indicates extensive trade networks during the early medieval period. Reason (R): Gadhia coins are completely indigenous and bear no influence of foreign coinage styles. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
Indo-Sassanian coins, commonly known as Gadhia coins, are found across Rajasthan and indicate active trade networks during the early medieval period. However, the reason stating they were completely indigenous is false. These coins were actually inspired by Sassanian coinage from Persia, later undergoing a process of localization where the original features became stylized and abstract, reflecting a blend of foreign influence and regional minting traditions.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q99. Which of the following best defines the ‘Bahidas’ in the archival records?
Explanation
In the administrative hierarchy of Rajput states, Bahidas were the clerks or officials tasked with the meticulous maintenance of Bahis, which were daily ledgers and account books. Their role was crucial for the state’s financial and administrative transparency, as they recorded tax collections, expenditures, and official orders. These officials ensured that the records were up-to-date, serving as the custodians of the state’s bureaucratic history.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q100. Match List I with List II:
Traveller/Author
Association/Work
A. Hiuen Tsang
i. Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan
B. William Franklin
ii. Recorded Bairath as ‘Po-li-ye-to-lo’
C. James Tod
iii. Conducted a bardic survey in Bikaner
D. L. P. Tessitori
iv. First used the term ‘Rajputana’ in writing (1805)
Choose the correct code:
Explanation
Hiuen Tsang referred to Bairath as Po-li-ye-to-lo, while William Franklin first used the term Rajputana in his 1805 work. James Tod is famously associated with the Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. L. P. Tessitori is noted for his extensive survey of bardic literature in Bikaner. These associations highlight the diverse group of travelers and scholars who contributed to the documented history of the region.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
91
(c) I, II, III, IV, and V
92
(b) The heroic deeds and folk deity status of Pabuji.
93
(b) I, III, and IV
94
(a) Rairh
95
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
96
(b) Hammir Mahakavya
97
(b) The poetic style of the western Rajasthani (Marwari) language.
98
(c) A is true but R is false.
99
(c) State officials or clerks responsible for maintaining the Bahis.
100
(d) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, 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.
