2011 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I

Question 56: History and Culture

India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations ?

aAs compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times
bThe rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin priests and buddhist monks in this context
cMonsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
dBoth (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Monsoon winds blow from the south-west in summer and reverse in winter, so ships could sail across the Bay of Bengal with the winds and return when they changed. This natural advantage, more than shipbuilding skill or royal patronage, explains why early maritime contact and trade between India and Southeast Asia flourished. Patronage and ship technology helped, but they are not the most convincing explanation.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Better ship-building cannot be shown as the main reason.
  • (b) Patronage helped trade, but 'always' overstates it.
  • (c) Right: seasonal monsoon winds made voyages across the Bay possible.
  • (d) Neither (a) nor (b) is the most convincing explanation.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.