UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 115: History and Culture

Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of Mughal empire. Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have clear concept of a united Indian nation.

aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

cA is true but R is false

dA is false but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (b).

A is true: after the Mughal decline in the 18th century the Marathas were the strongest native power, controlling large parts of central and northern India until Panipat in 1761. The key also treats R as true, but not as the explanation: Maratha power rested on military and political organisation, not on any idea of a united Indian nation.

A. The Marathas were the strongest native power after the Mughal decline.
R. Accepted as true by the key, but it does not explain Maratha strength.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The key says R does not explain A, so this fails.
(b) Correct, per the key: both true, R not the explanation.
(c) The key accepts R as true, so 'R false' fails.
(d) A is true, so 'A false' fails.

Worth knowing: R is historically doubtful, since the Marathas did not hold a modern idea of an Indian nation, so (c) is arguably the better answer.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.