UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 78: Geography
“You might see a few curious Danes around, but that is because …… used to be Danish outpost. This quaint town with its fort and a beautiful church, the New Jerusalem, empty streets and deserted beach front is a quaint gem.” The place referred to in this quotation lies on the
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The quotation describes Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) on the Tamil Nadu coast, a Danish settlement from 1620, with Fort Dansborg and the New Jerusalem Church. Remember: the Danes had two main Indian outposts, Tranquebar in Tamil Nadu and Serampore in Bengal, and sold them to the British in 1845.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: Tranquebar, the Danish outpost with the New Jerusalem Church, is on the Tamil Nadu coast.
- (b) The Danish outpost with the New Jerusalem Church is not on the Kerala coast.
- (c) The Danish outpost described is not on the Karnataka coast.
- (d) Goa was a Portuguese, not a Danish, territory.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.