2021 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I

Question 35: History and Culture

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?

  1. 1.Wrestling
  2. 2.Astrology
  3. 3.Accounting
  4. 4.Soothsaying

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1, 2 and 3 only
b1, 3 and 4 only
c2 and 4 only
d1, 2, 3 and 4

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese chronicler who was at Vijayanagara in the 1530s, described the women of the empire as capable and educated in many fields. In his account they were wrestlers, astrologers, soothsayers and accountants, besides being skilled in music and dance. UPSC counts all four listed areas. Remember: Nuniz's account shows women in public roles at Vijayanagara.

  • 1. Nuniz mentions women wrestlers.
  • 2. Nuniz mentions women astrologers.
  • 3. Nuniz mentions women who kept accounts.
  • 4. Nuniz mentions women soothsayers.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 1 out.

    What you needed to know: Nuniz mentions women wrestlers.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 2 out.

    What you needed to know: Nuniz mentions women astrologers.

  3. Then, if you were sure statement 4 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 4 out.

    What you needed to know: Nuniz mentions women soothsayers.

Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.

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) Wrong: it leaves out soothsaying.
  • (b) Wrong: it leaves out astrology.
  • (c) Wrong: it leaves out wrestling and accounting.
  • (d) Right: Nuniz mentions all four skills.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.