RPSC RAS 2023 previous year paper · official paper and PYQ-pattern practice

RPSC RAS 2023 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 · Modern India

   Consider the following about the Permanent Settlement of 1793: 1. It was introduced by Lord Cornwallis. 2. The revenue demand was fixed permanently. 3. Zamindars became owners of the land. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

   Answer: D

   Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal and Bihar in 1793. The revenue demand was fixed permanently and zamindars were recognized as landowners in return for collecting revenue.

2. Q2 · Kachwahas of Amber and Jaipur

   Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur is best known for:

   • A. Building the City Palace of Udaipur
   • B. Constructing astronomical observatories
   • C. Defeating Mughal forces
   • D. Establishing Sanskrit schools
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur and is renowned for constructing five astronomical observatories (Jantar Mantar) across India, demonstrating his scientific interests and mathematical expertise.

3. Q3 · Tribal kingdoms and uprisings

   The Bhil tribal community played a significant role in the defense of which of the following forts during medieval Rajasthan?

   • A. Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh
   • B. Jaisalmer and Bikaner
   • C. Amber and Nahargarh
   • D. Ranthambore and Gagron
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Bhil warriors were crucial defenders of Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh forts. The Bhils had a long association with Mewar rulers, and their archery skills were vital in fort defense during sieges.

4. Q4 · Integration of Rajasthan

   Arrange the following stages of Rajasthan integration in chronological order: 1. Formation of Matsya Union 2. Formation of Greater Rajasthan 3. Merger of Sirohi (Abu-Dilwara region) 4. Formation of Rajasthan Union Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

   Answer: A

   Matsya Union was formed on March 18, 1948; Rajasthan Union on March 25, 1948; Greater Rajasthan (United State of Rajasthan) on March 30, 1949; and Abu-Dilwara region of Sirohi merged on January 26, 1950, completing the seven-stage integration process.

5. Q5 · Economic Geography of India

   Which mineral belt in India accounts for the maximum production of iron ore and is located primarily in the states of Odisha and Jharkhand?

   • A. North-Eastern Belt
   • B. Central Belt
   • C. Southern Belt
   • D. Northern Belt
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The Odisha-Jharkhand iron ore belt is classified as the North-Eastern (Orissa-Jharkhand) belt, which accounts for the largest share of India's iron ore production, centered in Singhbhum, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts.

6. Q6 · Mineral resources

   Match the following mineral resources with their major producing districts in Rajasthan: List-I (Mineral) List-II (District) A. Zinc-Lead 1. Nagaur B. Gypsum 2. Udaipur C. Marble 3. Zawar (Udaipur) D. Rock Phosphate 4. Makrana (Nagaur) Select the correct answer:

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

   Answer: A

   Zinc-Lead is found at Zawar in Udaipur district (Rajasthan accounts for over 90% of India's zinc production). Gypsum is produced in Nagaur. Marble is famously quarried at Makrana in Nagaur district. Rock Phosphate deposits are found in Udaipur district.

7. Q7 · Indian Constitution

   Which of the following constitutional amendment acts introduced the concept of 'Constitutional Morality' in the Preamble?

   • A. 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
   • B. 44th Amendment Act, 1978
   • C. No amendment has added this term to the Preamble
   • D. 101st Amendment Act, 2016
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The term 'Constitutional Morality' has never been explicitly added to the Preamble through any amendment. However, the 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. Constitutional morality is a judicially recognized doctrine, not a textual addition.

8. Q8 · Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies

   According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, what is the minimum age required for contesting elections to Panchayats?

   • A. 18 years
   • B. 21 years
   • C. 25 years
   • D. 30 years
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   As per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, the minimum age for contesting Panchayat elections is 21 years, though the voting age is 18 years.

9. Q9 · Rajasthan Lokayukta and SHRC

   Under the Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1973, which of the following authorities is NOT within the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta for investigation?

   • A. Chief Minister of Rajasthan
   • B. Members of the Legislative Assembly
   • C. Judges of the High Court
   • D. Chairman of a State Board
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Judges of the High Court are not within the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta as per the Rajasthan Lokayukta Act. The Lokayukta can investigate allegations against Ministers, MLAs, and public servants, but not members of the judiciary.

10. Q10 · Planning and NITI Aayog

    Consider the following statements regarding NITI Aayog: 1. It replaced the Planning Commission in 2015. 2. It is a constitutional body with statutory powers. 3. The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: B

    Statements 1 and 3 are correct. NITI Aayog replaced Planning Commission on 1 January 2015 and PM is its ex-officio Chairperson. However, statement 2 is incorrect as NITI Aayog is an executive body created by Cabinet resolution, not a constitutional or statutory body.