Q21. Which of the following inscriptions famously traces the origin of the Chauhan dynasty to the ‘Vatsa gotra’ Brahmins?
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 21–30 of 120 questions
Q22. Consider the following statements regarding the Bijolia Inscription:
I. It was engraved in 1170 AD.
II. It provides ancient names of several places, such as Jabalipur for Jalore.
III. It was composed by Gunabhadra.
IV. It documents the genealogy of the Guhilas of Mewar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It was engraved in 1170 AD.
II. It provides ancient names of several places, such as Jabalipur for Jalore.
III. It was composed by Gunabhadra.
IV. It documents the genealogy of the Guhilas of Mewar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Bijolia Inscription was engraved in 1170 AD and was composed by Gunabhadra. It is highly valued by historians for providing the ancient names of several regions, such as Jabalipur for Jalore and Shakambhari for Sambhar. While it details the Chauhan lineage, the claim that it documents the Guhilas of Mewar is incorrect, as it focuses on the Chauhans.
Q23. The Kumbhalgarh Inscription (1460 AD) is an extensive record detailing the history of the Guhila rulers. It was authored by whom?
Explanation
The Kumbhalgarh Inscription of 1460 AD is an extensive record of the Guhila dynasty of Mewar. While Atri began the composition, it was completed by his son, Mahesh. This inscription provides a detailed genealogy of the rulers of Mewar and records significant historical events, including the military victories and cultural contributions of Maharana Kumbha and his illustrious ancestors.
Q24. Which historical text or inscription explicitly describes Maharana Kumbha as ‘Dhan-guru’, ‘Chap-guru’, and ‘Raj-guru’?
Explanation
The Kirti Stambha Prashasti, located in the Chittorgarh fort, is a monumental eulogy dedicated to Maharana Kumbha. It honors his multifaceted personality by bestowing titles such as Dhan-guru, Chap-guru, and Raj-guru. These titles reflect his expertise in archery, governance, and his immense wealth. The inscription serves as a primary source for understanding the cultural and military achievements of Kumbha’s reign.
Q25. The Samidheshwar Temple inscription at Chittorgarh is associated with which ruler’s renovations of the temple?
Explanation
The Samidheshwar Temple inscription at Chittorgarh is closely associated with the renovations carried out by Maharana Mokal in the fifteenth century. This inscription provides historical data regarding the Guhila rulers and the architectural patronage of the Mewar royal family. It highlights the religious devotion and the systematic efforts of Mokal to restore and maintain significant temples within his kingdom.
Q26. Which of the following is the most appropriate description of a ‘Tamrapatra’ in the context of medieval history?
Explanation
A Tamrapatra is an official document engraved on copper plates used primarily in medieval India to record land grants or the conferment of special privileges. These documents were considered legal and permanent records, often detailing the donor, the recipient, and the specific boundaries of the granted land. They are invaluable for reconstructing the agrarian and social history of the period.
Q27. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Shringi Rishi inscription (1428 AD).
Explanation
The Shringi Rishi inscription of 1428 AD was issued during the reign of Maharana Mokal and was discovered in the Mewar region, specifically near a religious site. It details the achievements of his predecessors, including Hammir and Lakha, and mentions the construction of a stepwell. The assertion that it was found in the Marwar region is geographically and historically incorrect.
Q28. Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of the inscriptions of Rajasthan from oldest to newest?
Explanation
Determining the chronological sequence of inscriptions requires matching them to their respective eras. The Barli Inscription is the oldest, dating to the pre-Christian period, followed by the Ghosundi Inscription from the second century BC. The Bijolia Inscription belongs to the twelfth century AD, and the Kumbhalgarh Inscription dates to the fifteenth century, representing a clear progression from ancient to medieval records.
Q29. In the archival records of the Rajput states, what information did the ‘Tozi’ records primarily contain?
Explanation
In the administrative archives of Rajput states, Tozi records served as vital sources of statistical data. They contained detailed information regarding land revenue collections, agricultural yields, and the classification of lands. These records are essential for modern historians to analyze the economic health, taxation policies, and agricultural patterns that sustained the princely states during the late medieval and colonial eras.
Q30. Match List I with List II:
Choose the correct code:
| Archival Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Farman | i. Court bulletins or newsletters |
| B. Nishan | ii. Royal decree issued by the Emperor |
| C. Manshur | iii. Order issued by a member of the imperial family (Prince/Princess) |
| D. Akhbarat | iv. Special order or patent issued by the Emperor |
Explanation
Archival terms in the Mughal-Rajput context have specific meanings. A Farman was a royal decree issued by the Emperor, while a Nishan was an order from a prince or princess. A Manshur was a special patent or imperial order. Akhbarat referred to the daily court bulletins or newsletters that provided essential information regarding the proceedings and politics of the Mughal court.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) Bijolia Inscription |
| 22 | (a) I, II, and III |
| 23 | (d) Mahesh |
| 24 | (a) Kirti Stambha Prashasti |
| 25 | (c) Maharana Mokal |
| 26 | (a) A copper plate document recording the grant of land or privileges. |
| 27 | (d) It was discovered in the Marwar region. |
| 28 | (a) Barli Inscription, Ghosundi Inscription, Bijolia Inscription, Kumbhalgarh Inscription |
| 29 | (c) Statistical data regarding land revenue and agricultural production. |
| 30 | (d) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
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.