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 71–80 of 120 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q71. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan’: I. It was dedicated to Col. Tod’s guru, Yati Gyanchandra. II. The first volume primarily covers the history of Mewar. III. Tod heavily relied on local Khyats, Vamshavalis, and bardic literature. IV. Modern historians consider all of Tod’s historical dates and genealogical claims as absolutely flawless. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
James Tod dedicated his work to his guru, Yati Gyanchandra, and focused his first volume on Mewar history. He heavily utilized local oral traditions, Khyats, and genealogical lists. However, modern historians have found several inaccuracies in his dates and lineages, meaning his work is not considered flawless. It must be cross-referenced with modern archaeological and epigraphic evidence for objective historical reconstruction.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q72. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The colonial records and gazetteers compiled by British officers are indispensable for studying the 19th-century history of Rajasthan. Reason (R): They provide systematic demographic, economic, and administrative data which was rarely recorded in traditional bardic literature. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
British colonial records and gazetteers are essential for studying nineteenth-century Rajasthan because they provide systematic data that traditional bardic literature often omitted. While bards focused on heroic deeds and royal genealogies, the British compiled detailed statistics on population, trade, land revenue, and administrative structures. This makes their records indispensable for understanding the socio-economic transitions occurring during the era of subsidiary alliances.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q73. Col. James Tod authored another important book which was published posthumously by his wife in 1839. What is its title?
Explanation
After his return to England, Colonel James Tod worked on his second major book, Travels in Western India. This work was published posthumously in 1839 by his wife. It contains detailed observations on his journeys through Gujarat and Rajasthan, focusing on cultural practices, religious sites, and the social life of the people, complementing his earlier historical research with personal travel narratives.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q74. Which of the following Rajput rulers is known to have systematically organized the archival records of his state under the ‘Mahakma Khas’?
Explanation
Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner was a visionary ruler who significantly modernized the administration of his state. One of his key reforms was the systematic organization of state archives under the Mahakma Khas. This effort ensured that official records, historical documents, and administrative papers were properly preserved and categorized, making Bikaner one of the most organized states in terms of historical documentation in Rajasthan.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q75. Consider the following statements regarding historical sources: Statement I: The ‘Pattas’ issued by Rajput rulers were official documents recognizing land grants or jagirs given to nobles. Statement II: A ‘Parwana’ was an order issued by a subordinate official to a king. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
In the Rajput administrative system, a Patta was indeed an official document recognizing land grants or jagirs given by the ruler to nobles or institutions. However, a Parwana was not an order from a subordinate to a king. Instead, it was an official order issued by a superior official or the ruler to a subordinate, directing them to carry out specific administrative tasks.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q76. The historical text ‘Nainsi ri Khyat’ was written during the reign of which ruler?
Explanation
Muhnot Nainsi wrote his famous Khyat during the seventeenth century while serving as a minister in the court of Maharaja Jaswant Singh I of Jodhpur. This period was a significant era for Marwar, and Nainsi’s work reflects the state’s administrative complexity and political relationships. His position allowed him access to extensive records, which he used to compile his detailed and comprehensive historical chronicle.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q77. Which ancient numismatic source indicates that the region of Nagari (Chittorgarh) was under the control of a specific Janapada?
Explanation
Numismatic evidence found at Nagari, located near Chittorgarh, reveals that the region was the center of the Sibi Janapada. The coins discovered there bear the legend Majhamikaya Sibi Janapadasa, indicating that the ancient name of the town was Madhyamika. This discovery is crucial for locating the historical territory of the Sibi tribe and understanding the early political geography of southern Rajasthan.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q78. Consider the following statements concerning archaeological excavations in Rajasthan: I. Bagor is situated on the Kothari river and is a prime Mesolithic site. II. Oziyana is a Chalcolithic site located in Bhilwara. III. Sunari in Jhunjhunu yielded evidence of ancient iron smelting. IV. Kurada in Nagaur is known as the ‘storehouse of copper tools’. V. Noh in Bharatpur has yielded Painted Grey Ware (PGW) pottery. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Archaeological excavations across Rajasthan have revealed a rich prehistoric past. Bagor is a key Mesolithic site, while Ojhiyana and Kurada represent significant Chalcolithic settlements. Sunari is known for its early iron smelting furnaces, and Noh has yielded vital evidence of Painted Grey Ware culture. Collectively, these sites provide a comprehensive timeline of human technological and social development in the region from stone to iron ages.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q79. Which of the following sites is NOT correctly matched with its dominant archaeological culture?
Explanation
The matching of Bairath with Paleolithic culture is incorrect. While Bairath is an ancient site, it is primarily famous for its Mauryan remains, Buddhist circular temple, and early historic artifacts. Paleolithic sites are characterized by much older stone tools. In contrast, Kalibangan is correctly linked to Harappan culture, Ahar to Chalcolithic culture, and Bagor to the Mesolithic period, accurately reflecting their archaeological significance.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Sources of Rajasthan History
Q80. Match List I with List II:
Text
Author
A. Hammir Rasau
i. Dalpat Vijay
B. Khuman Raso
ii. Narpati Nalh
C. Bisaldev Raso
iii. Girdhar Aasiya
D. Sagat Raso
iv. Jodhraaj
Choose the correct code:
Explanation
Jodhraaj authored Hammir Rasau, while Dalpat Vijay is the poet behind Khuman Raso. Bisaldev Raso was composed by Narpati Nalh, focusing on the life of the Chauhan king Vigraharaja IV. Sagat Raso was written by Girdhar Aasiya. These medieval texts are important for understanding the heroic traditions and the historical narratives of the various Rajput dynasties through epic poetry and chronicles.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(b) I, II, and III
72
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
73
(c) Travels in Western India
74
(a) Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner
75
(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
76
(b) Maharaja Jaswant Singh I
77
(c) Sibi Janapada coins
78
(a) I, II, III, IV, and V
79
(a) Bairath - Paleolithic Culture
80
(b) 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.
