Q11. Which among the following is the odd one out with respect to Chalcolithic cultures?
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 11–20 of 120 questions
Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the epigraphic sources of Rajasthan:
I. Prashastis are eulogistic inscriptions praising the achievements of rulers.
II. Copper plates (Tamrapatras) were primarily used to record land grants and religious donations.
III. All inscriptions in Rajasthan prior to the 10th century AD were written exclusively in the Apabhramsha language.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Prashastis are eulogistic inscriptions praising the achievements of rulers.
II. Copper plates (Tamrapatras) were primarily used to record land grants and religious donations.
III. All inscriptions in Rajasthan prior to the 10th century AD were written exclusively in the Apabhramsha language.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Prashastis were eulogistic inscriptions composed by court poets to glorify the military and personal achievements of rulers. Copper plates, or Tamrapatras, served as formal legal documents recording land grants and religious endowments. Although many early inscriptions were in Sanskrit or Prakrit, the claim that all were written exclusively in Apabhramsha before the tenth century is historically inaccurate.
Q13. The Ghosundi Inscription is a crucial epigraphic source for ancient history. It provides the earliest epigraphic evidence in the region for the worship of which deity?
Explanation
The Ghosundi Inscription, found near Chittorgarh, is a landmark epigraphic source for the religious history of ancient India. It provides the earliest evidence for the worship of Sankarshana and Vasudeva in the region. This indicates the prevalence of the Bhagavata sect and the performance of Vedic sacrifices like the Ashvamedha by local rulers during the second century BC.
Q14. To which historical era does the Ghosundi Inscription belong?
Explanation
The Ghosundi Inscription is dated to the second century BC, making it one of the oldest and most significant inscriptions in Rajasthan. Written in the Brahmi script and Sanskrit language, it records the construction of a stone wall around a place of worship. This dating helps historians trace the early development of Vaishnavism and Vedic rituals in the region.
Q15. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Epigraphy is considered one of the most reliable sources for reconstructing ancient and early medieval history.
Reason (R): Inscriptions are generally contemporaneous to the events they describe and are highly resistant to tampering compared to literary manuscripts. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Epigraphy is considered one of the most reliable sources for reconstructing ancient and early medieval history.
Reason (R): Inscriptions are generally contemporaneous to the events they describe and are highly resistant to tampering compared to literary manuscripts. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
Epigraphy provides highly reliable historical data because inscriptions are usually created during the actual time of the events they record. Unlike literary manuscripts, which can be altered during successive copying, stone inscriptions are durable and difficult to tamper with once engraved. This makes them objective primary sources for confirming names, dates, and administrative details of ancient and medieval periods.
Q16. The Barnala Yupa inscriptions found in the Jaipur region provide valuable historical data. What do these Yupa pillars primarily commemorate?
Explanation
The Barnala Yupa inscriptions, discovered in the Jaipur region, are sacrificial pillars that commemorate the performance of traditional Vedic rituals. Specifically, they mention the Triratra sacrifice, conducted by local leaders or priests. These pillars provide crucial evidence regarding the continued practice of Brahmanical rites and the socio-religious influence of the Vedic tradition in ancient Rajasthan during the early centuries AD.
Q17. Which of the following inscriptions provides information about a guild of silk weavers and the construction of a Sun temple?
Explanation
The Mandasor Inscription of 436 AD is historically significant for documenting the migration of a guild of silk weavers from the Lata region to Mandasor. It details how the guild members, despite changing their professions, collectively funded the construction and subsequent repair of a magnificent Sun temple. This record highlights the economic prosperity and social mobility of guilds in antiquity.
Q18. The Mandasor inscription (436 AD) mentions the reign of which Gupta emperor during whose time the guild of silk-weavers migrated from Lata?
Explanation
The Mandasor Inscription, which records the activities of a silk weavers’ guild, was issued during the reign of the Gupta Emperor Kumargupta I. This epigraphic source confirms the extent of Gupta influence in the Malwa and Rajasthan regions. It also reflects the imperial stability that allowed trade guilds and religious institutions to flourish and contribute to monumental architectural projects.
Q19. What is the main subject matter of the Barli inscription, considered one of the oldest inscriptions found in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Barli Inscription, found in the Ajmer district, is considered one of the oldest inscriptions in Rajasthan, dating back to the pre-Christian era. It records the dedication of a Jain temple or shrine and is notable for its reference to the Jain era. This makes it an invaluable source for understanding the early spread and institutionalization of Jainism in northern India.
Q20. Match List I with List II:
Choose the correct code:
| Inscription | Language/Script context |
|---|---|
| A. Ghosundi Inscription | i. Sanskrit, Brahmi script |
| B. Mandasor Inscription | ii. Sanskrit, details Guhila dynasty |
| C. Bijolia Inscription | iii. Sanskrit, details Chauhan dynasty |
| D. Chirwa Inscription | iv. Sanskrit, mentions silk weavers |
Explanation
The Ghosundi Inscription is written in Sanskrit and Brahmi script, while the Mandasor Inscription mentions the migration of silk weavers. The Bijolia Inscription is famous for detailing the history of the Chauhan dynasty and providing ancient geographical names. Finally, the Chirwa Inscription provides genealogical information about the Guhila dynasty of Mewar, documenting the lineage of rulers like Jaitra Singh.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) Kalibangan |
| 12 | (a) I and II |
| 13 | (c) Sankarshana and Vasudeva (Bhagavata sect) |
| 14 | (a) 2nd Century BC |
| 15 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 16 | (b) The performance of Vedic sacrifices (like Triratra). |
| 17 | (b) Mandasor Inscription |
| 18 | (a) Kumargupta I |
| 19 | (c) It marks the dedication of a Jain shrine and mentions the Jain era. |
| 20 | (d) A-i, B-iv, C-iii, D-ii |
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.