RPSC RAS 2021 previous year paper · official paper and PYQ-pattern practice

RPSC RAS 2021 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 14 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Medieval India

   Which Bhakti saint is associated with the composition of the 'Bijak'?

   • A. Tulsidas
   • B. Kabir
   • C. Surdas
   • D. Mirabai
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Bijak is a collection of verses attributed to Sant Kabir, the 15th-century mystic poet and saint who emphasized devotion beyond ritualism and caste distinctions.

2. Q2 · Architecture and monuments

   The 'Hawa Mahal' of Jaipur, built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, belongs to which architectural style?

   • A. Mughal architecture
   • B. Rajputana architecture with blend of Mughal elements
   • C. Indo-Saracenic architecture
   • D. Dravidian architecture
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Hawa Mahal, built in 1799, exemplifies Rajputana architecture with a blend of Mughal influences. Its unique five-story facade with 953 jharokhas (windows) reflects the synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions.

3. Q3 · Fairs and festivals

   The Pushkar Fair, one of the largest cattle fairs in India, is held annually in which district of Rajasthan?

   • A. Jodhpur
   • B. Ajmer
   • C. Jaipur
   • D. Bikaner
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Pushkar Fair is held in Pushkar town in Ajmer district, attracting thousands for livestock trading, cultural events, and religious rituals.

4. Q4 · Folk dances

   Which dance form of Rajasthan is performed by the Kalbeliya community, known for their serpentine movements?

   • A. Ghoomar
   • B. Kalbeliya
   • C. Chari
   • D. Kachhi Ghodi
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Kalbeliya is the traditional dance of the Kalbeliya (snake charmer) community, characterized by fluid, serpent-like movements and recognized by UNESCO.

5. Q5 · Aravalli range

   Which of the following peaks is the highest point in the Aravalli Range?

   • A. Achalgarh
   • B. Guru Shikhar
   • C. Taragarh
   • D. Kumbhalgarh
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Guru Shikhar, located near Mount Abu at an elevation of approximately 1,722 meters, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan.

6. Q6 · Fundamental Rights, DPSP and Duties

   Consider the following provisions: 1. Uniform Civil Code 2. Organisation of Village Panchayats 3. Right to work and education 4. Separation of Judiciary from Executive Which of the above are included in the Directive Principles of State Policy under Part IV of the Indian Constitution?

   • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
   • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
   • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
   • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All four are DPSPs. Uniform Civil Code (Article 44), Organisation of Village Panchayats (Article 40), Right to work and education (Articles 41 & 45, though Right to Education became a Fundamental Right via 86th Amendment), and Separation of Judiciary from Executive (Article 50) are all Directive Principles.

7. Q7 · Rajasthan Public Service Commission

   Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission?

   • A. Article 315
   • B. Article 316
   • C. Article 317
   • D. Article 320
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Article 315 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States, including the Rajasthan Public Service Commission.

8. Q8 · State Government

   Which of the following statements regarding the State Legislature is/are correct? I. Money Bills can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly. II. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly has the power to decide whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not. III. A Money Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly can be rejected by the Legislative Council. Select the correct answer:

   • A. Only I and II
   • B. Only II and III
   • C. Only I and III
   • D. All I, II and III
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Statements I and II are correct. Money Bills can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly, and the Speaker certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill. Statement III is incorrect because the Legislative Council cannot reject a Money Bill; it can only make recommendations within 14 days.

9. Q9 · Rajasthan economy overview

   Which of the following sectors contributes the maximum share to Rajasthan's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)?

   • A. Agriculture and allied activities
   • B. Manufacturing sector
   • C. Services sector
   • D. Mining and quarrying
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Services sector contributes the highest share to Rajasthan's GSDP (around 45-50%), followed by Industry and Agriculture, consistent with the structural transformation pattern seen in most Indian states.

10. Q10 · Budget and taxation

    The Finance Commission is appointed every five years to recommend distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Finance Commission?

    • A. Article 268
    • B. Article 270
    • C. Article 280
    • D. Article 282
    Answer and solution

    Answer: C

    Article 280 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Finance Commission. It provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission every five years to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and grants-in-aid between the Union and the States.