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PYQ Pattern Analysis

Religious Beliefs, Saints, Folk Deities

Paper I · Unit 1 Section 10 of 15 0 PYQs 53 min
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PYQ Pattern Analysis

Questions Asked

  • RPSC Mains 2013, Paper I (5 marks): "Explain the concept of 'Rina' in Indian tradition."
  • RPSC Mains 2016, Paper I (5 marks): "There was a rich tradition of 'Nirguna Bhakti' in medieval India. Explain."
  • RPSC Mains 2018, Paper I (2 marks): "Which three sacred texts of ancient India are termed 'Prasthan Trayi'?"
  • RPSC Mains 2021, Paper I (2 marks): "Name any four out of six orthodox schools of Indian Vedic Philosophy."
  • RPSC Mains 2021, Paper I (2 marks): "Describe the Suhrawardi Sufi Silsilah."
  • RPSC Mains 2023, Paper I (5 marks): "Explain the socio-religious significance of Naynar and Alwar bhakti saints."
  • RPSC Mains 2023, Paper I (2 marks): "Explain Universal Priesthood."
  • RPSC Mains 2024, Paper I (2 marks): "Two female saints of Charandasi sect."
  • RPSC Mains 2024, Paper I (2 marks): "Ahmadiyyah Movement."
  • RPSC Mains 2024, Paper I (10 marks): "Underline the similarities between the 6th century B.C. religious movements and Nirgun Bhakti Movement."

What RPSC Tests

Three distinct testing modes visible in the PYQ data:

  1. Abstract philosophical recall (factual): Prasthan Trayi (2018), six orthodox schools (2021), concept of Rina (2013) — these require precise definitions and lists. No Rajasthan-specific angle; tests breadth of philosophical knowledge.

  2. Religious reform movements (descriptive-analytical): Nirguna Bhakti (2016), Naynar-Alwar (2023), Suhrawardi silsilah (2021), Ahmadiyyah (2024), Universal Priesthood (2023) — these require identifying the defining characteristics and historical significance of the movement. RPSC draws freely from pan-Indian and global (Ahmadiyyah) religious reform.

  3. Comparative analytical (10-mark): The 2024 question comparing 6th century BCE movements with Nirguna Bhakti is the highest-order question in this topic — requires constructing a structured comparison across two historical epochs, identifying structural similarities at the level of social challenge to orthodoxy.

Rajasthan-specific content appears less frequently in this topic's PYQ than the scope designation might suggest. Questions on Lok Devtas, Dadu Dayal, and Meera Bai have NOT appeared as standalone questions — but could appear in 2026. The 2024 "female saints of Charandasi sect" is the most direct Rajasthan-specific question.

Frequency and Trend

  • Appearances: 3+ of 6 exams (2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024); total 10 questions
  • Marks range: 2-mark to 10-mark per appearance
  • Trend: Rising — 2023 and 2024 each had 3 questions from this topic; increased examiner focus
  • Pattern shift: 2018 and 2021 were purely factual recall; 2023 and 2024 added analytical questions; 2026 will likely continue this trend with at least one 10-mark comparative question

2026 Prediction

Based on PYQ patterns and the RPSC 2026 revised syllabus emphasis on Rajasthan-specific content:

  1. High probability (10-mark): "Compare the Chishti and Suhrawardi Sufi orders, with special reference to their contribution to Rajasthan's composite culture." OR "Discuss the contribution of the Dadu Panth to Rajasthan's religious and social history."
  2. High probability (5-mark): "Write a note on the Lok Devis of Rajasthan with special reference to their community associations." OR "Explain the concept of Nirguna Bhakti with reference to Rajasthan's Sant tradition."
  3. Medium probability (5-mark): "What is the significance of Ramdev Pir / Baba Ramdev as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity in Rajasthan?"
  4. Medium probability (5-mark): "Explain the socio-religious significance of Jainism in Rajasthan with reference to Dilwara and Ranakpur temples."
  5. Possible direct repeat: Lok Devtas/Panchpir — this cluster has never appeared as a standalone PYQ; given RPSC's 2026 emphasis on Rajasthan culture, it is overdue.