UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I
Question 92: History and Culture
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements :
- 1.It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
- 2.During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Indus Valley sites show no grand temples or royal tombs. Signs of ritual, such as the Great Bath, seals with deities and fire altars, exist but do not dominate, so the civilisation is often described as largely secular in character. Cotton was grown and used for textiles, as shown by traces of cotton cloth at Mohenjo-daro and spindle whorls found at many sites. So both statements are accepted.
- 1. Religion was present but did not dominate; no grand temples are found.
- 2. Cotton was grown and used for textiles.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Religion was present but did not dominate; no grand temples are found.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Cotton was grown and used for textiles.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
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) Statement 2 on cotton is also correct.
- (b) Statement 1 on the secular character is also accepted.
- (c) Right: largely secular, and cotton was used for textiles.
- (d) Both statements are accepted, so this fails.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.