RPSC RAS 2024 previous year paper · official paper and PYQ-pattern practice

RPSC RAS 2024 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 18 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

   The Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was primarily a system for:

   • A. Land revenue assessment
   • B. Military and civil administration
   • C. Religious organization
   • D. Trade regulation
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Mansabdari system was a hierarchical grading system for military officers and civil administrators that combined both military obligations and civil rank.

2. Q2 · Rathores of Marwar

   Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, belonged to which dynasty?

   • A. Sisodiya dynasty
   • B. Rathore dynasty
   • C. Kachwaha dynasty
   • D. Chauhan dynasty
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur in 1459 and belonged to the Rathore dynasty of Marwar. He established Mehrangarh Fort and consolidated Rathore power in the region.

3. Q3 · Pratiharas and Parmars

   Consider the following pairs related to the Pratihara dynasty: 1. Nagabhata I – Successfully repelled Arab invasions from Sindh 2. Mihira Bhoja – Extended control over Kanauj and adopted the title 'Adivaraha' 3. Mahendrapala I – Poet Rajasekhara was associated with his court How many of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

   • A. Only one pair
   • B. Only two pairs
   • C. All three pairs
   • D. None of the pairs
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   All three pairs are correctly matched. Nagabhata I defended against Arab invasions in the 8th century. Mihira Bhoja was a powerful Pratihara ruler who adopted 'Adivaraha' title, and Rajasekhara, author of 'Karpuramanjari', adorned Mahendrapala I's court.

4. Q4 · Peasant and tribal movements

   Who among the following tribal leaders led the Bhagat movement in the Dungarpur-Banswara region during the early 20th century?

   • A. Govind Guru
   • B. Motilal Tejawat
   • C. Surmal Das
   • D. Rani Durgavati
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Govind Guru led the Bhagat movement among Bhil tribals in the Dungarpur-Banswara region, advocating against social evils and exploitation by landlords. The movement gained momentum in the early 1900s and was a socio-religious reform initiative.

5. Q5 · Handicrafts

   Which town in Rajasthan is traditionally famous for its blue pottery handicraft?

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

   Answer: B

   Jaipur is internationally recognized for its blue pottery, a traditional craft featuring vibrant blue dyes and Persian-influenced floral designs.

6. Q6 · Rajasthani literature and dialects

   Which of the following is a major dialect spoken in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan?

   • A. Marwari
   • B. Mewari
   • C. Dhundhari
   • D. Harauti
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Marwari is the predominant dialect of the Shekhawati region, widely used in folk literature and everyday communication across western Rajasthan.

7. Q7 · Rivers of Rajasthan

   Which river system in Rajasthan does NOT drain into the Arabian Sea basin?

   • A. Luni and its tributaries
   • B. Mahi River
   • C. Chambal River
   • D. Sabarmati River
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna, which eventually joins the Ganga system draining into the Bay of Bengal. Luni, Mahi, and Sabarmati drain toward the Arabian Sea basin.

8. Q8 · Climate of Rajasthan

   Which of the following statements regarding the climatic features of Rajasthan is/are correct? 1. The average annual rainfall decreases from south-east to north-west 2. The Aravallis act as a barrier to the monsoon winds causing higher rainfall in the eastern parts 3. The isohyet of 50 cm passes through Jaisalmer and Barmer districts Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

   Answer: A

   Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Rainfall in Rajasthan decreases from south-east (Jhalawar, Banswara) to north-west (Jaisalmer, Barmer). The Aravalli range causes orographic rainfall on the windward side. Statement 3 is incorrect as the 50 cm isohyet passes through central Rajasthan, not through Jaisalmer-Barmer.

9. Q9 · Fundamental Rights, DPSP and Duties

   Which of the following Fundamental Rights are available only to citizens of India and not to foreign nationals? 1. Right to Equality before law (Article 14) 2. Right against exploitation (Article 23-24) 3. Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19) 4. Right to form Associations (Article 19) Select the correct answer:

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

   Answer: B

   Only rights under Article 19 (which includes freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession) are available exclusively to citizens. Articles 14 (Equality before law) and 23-24 (against exploitation) are available to both citizens and non-citizens.

10. Q10 · State Government

    Which of the following statements regarding the powers of the Governor of a State is INCORRECT?

    • A. The Governor can reserve a Bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President
    • B. The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session
    • C. The Governor has the power to dissolve the State Legislative Council on his own discretion
    • D. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister
    Answer and solution

    Answer: C

    The Governor does not have the power to dissolve the Legislative Council; only the Legislative Assembly can be dissolved. The Legislative Council is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.