UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 7: History and Culture
Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India :
- 1.The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595 – 596).
- 2.In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India.
- 3.The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
All three statements are correct. The Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596) carry the earliest epigraphic use of place-value numerals in India. By the ninth century, place-value notation had become general in inscriptions across India. Inscriptions of South-east Asia use place-value notation (with zero) as early as the seventh century, showing how quickly the system travelled with Indian cultural contacts.
- 1. Mankani plates (Gujarat, AD 595-596) hold the earliest epigraphic use.
- 2. By the ninth century place-values were general in Indian inscriptions.
- 3. Seventh-century inscriptions in South-east Asia already use them.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: By the ninth century place-values were general in Indian inscriptions.
The red flag in statement 2 is “all”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “all” were true 41% of the time (76 statements). A hint, not a rule.
- Then, if you were sure statement 1 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Mankani plates (Gujarat, AD 595-596) hold the earliest epigraphic use.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: Seventh-century inscriptions in South-east Asia already use them.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
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) Incomplete: statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) Incomplete: statement 2 is also correct.
- (c) Incomplete: statement 1 is also correct.
- (d) Right: all three statements are correct.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.