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 101–110 of 120 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q101. Consider the following statements regarding the inscription of Chirwa (1273 AD): I. It is written in Sanskrit. II. It provides information about the Guhila rulers Jaitra Singh, Tej Singh, and Samar Singh. III. It mentions the practice of Sati and the existence of the Pashupata sect in Mewar. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Chirwa Inscription of 1273 AD is a Sanskrit record found in Mewar that provides valuable genealogical information about Guhila rulers like Jaitra Singh and Tej Singh. It is particularly significant for historians because it mentions social practices like Sati and the prominence of the Pashupata sect. These details offer a broader perspective on the religious and social fabric of thirteenth-century Mewar, beyond just political history.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q102. Identify the correct pair regarding the chronicles (Khyats) and their subjects:
Explanation
Dayaldas ri Khyat is correctly identified as a primary source for the history of the Bikaner state. In contrast, Nainsi ri Khyat covers many Rajput clans, not just Mewar. Bankidas ri Khyat focuses primarily on Marwar, and Mundiyar ri Khyat is also dedicated to the Rathores of Marwar rather than the Chauhans. Understanding the specific subject of each chronicle is essential for accurate regional historical research.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q103. The archaeological site of ‘Rairh’ (Tonk) has yielded a massive hoard of ancient coins. It is often referred to as the ‘Tata Nagar’ of ancient India. Which specific type of coins form the majority of this hoard?
Explanation
The site of Rairh in the Tonk district is famous for yielding one of the largest hoards of punch-marked coins in India. These coins, often made of silver, bear various symbols and date back to the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods. The sheer volume of these coins earned Rairh the title of Tata Nagar, reflecting its status as a major ancient center for trade, metallurgy, and monetary circulation.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q104. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding ‘Charan’ literature?
Explanation
Charan literature is characterized by its heroic themes and the use of the Dingal language. A major function of the Charan bards was actually to maintain and glorify the genealogies of their Rajput patrons. Therefore, the statement that they avoided detailing these genealogies is incorrect. Their works, like those of Suryamal Misran, are essential for tracing lineage and the historical continuity of the regional ruling dynasties.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q105. Consider the following statements regarding historical works: I. ‘Amar Kavya Vanshavali’ was authored by Ranchhod Bhatt. II. ‘Raj Ratnakar’ was written by Sadashiv. III. ‘Ajitodaya’ was composed by Jagjivan Bhatt. IV. ‘Khuman Raso’ was authored by Dalpat Vijay. V. ‘Raj Rupak’ was written by Veer Bhan. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Historical works in Rajasthan vary from epic poetry to genealogical chronicles. Authors like Ranchhod Bhatt, Sadashiv, and Jagjivan Bhatt contributed significantly to recording the history of Mewar and Marwar through Sanskrit and Rajasthani texts. Works such as Khuman Raso and Raj Rupak offer heroic narratives that were central to the cultural identity of the Rajput states. Each of these authors and their respective works provide a multi-dimensional view of the past.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q106. In the context of Mughal-Rajput relations, what was a ‘Farman’?
Explanation
A Farman was a formal royal edict or supreme order issued by the Mughal Emperor. In the context of Mughal-Rajput relations, Farmans were used to grant titles, lands (jagirs), or to issue specific administrative directions to Rajput rulers who were integrated into the Mughal imperial system. Bearing the emperor’s official seal, these documents were considered legally binding and carried the highest authority within the empire.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q107. Which British official wrote ‘The Memoirs of George Thomas’ in 1805, which is significant for being the first recorded use of the word ‘Rajputana’ for the region?
Explanation
William Franklin authored the book Military Memoirs of Mr. George Thomas in 1805. This text is historically significant because it contains the first recorded written use of the term Rajputana to describe the region comprising the various princely states of Rajasthan. Franklin’s account of George Thomas, an Irish adventurer, provides a unique perspective on the political chaos and military environment of the region during the late eighteenth century.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q108. Consider the following historical authors/poets: I. Chand Bardai II. Padmanabha III. Muhnot Nainsi IV. Suryamal Misran Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence based on the period they flourished?
Explanation
The chronological order begins with Chand Bardai in the twelfth century during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan. Padmanabha followed in the fifteenth century, writing about the events of Jalore. Muhnot Nainsi flourished in the seventeenth century under Maharaja Jaswant Singh I. Finally, Suryamal Misran was active in the nineteenth century, representing the later phase of traditional historical and bardic writing in the state of Bundi.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q109. Which inscription is crucial for establishing that the ancient name of Jalore was Jabalipur and Sambhar was Shakambhari?
Explanation
The Bijolia Inscription of 1170 AD is a crucial epigraphic source for the geography of medieval Rajasthan. It provides the ancient names of several prominent locations, confirming that Jalore was known as Jabalipur and Sambhar as Shakambhari. By recording these older toponyms, the inscription helps historians bridge the gap between ancient settlements and their medieval successors, providing a clearer picture of regional historical geography.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q110. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Rajputana Agency Records’: I. They are preserved primarily in the National Archives of India and Rajasthan State Archives. II. They contain correspondence between the Agent to the Governor-General (AGG) and the princely states. III. They deal extensively with the suppression of practices like Sati and Thuggee. IV. They are written entirely in the Dingal language. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Rajputana Agency Records are vital colonial documents preserving the correspondence between British officials and the princely states. They provide insights into major social reforms, such as the suppression of Sati and Thuggee. While they are indispensable for modern research, the claim that they are written entirely in Dingal is false, as these official British records were primarily maintained in English and occasionally in Persian or Urdu.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
101
(d) I, II and III
102
(b) Dayaldas ri Khyat - Bikaner state history
103
(d) Punch-marked coins (Ahat mudrayen)
104
(a) It strictly avoids detailing the genealogies of their patrons.
105
(a) I, II, III, IV, and V
106
(a) A royal edict or order issued bearing the seal of the Mughal Emperor.
107
(d) William Franklin
108
(a) I, II, III, IV
109
(c) Bijolia Inscription
110
(a) I, II, and 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.
