UPSC Prelims 2004 Q120: Medieval History – Regional Kingdoms & Frontier States
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1 and 2
Answer: (b) 2 and 3
Explanation
> Note for students: Only statement 2 is factually correct, but the exam printed no '2 only' option. Option (b) '2 and 3' is the published key and the nearest, though statement 3 is false. Choose (b) or skip it to avoid a negative mark.
Sikh Gurus
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Banda Bahadur appointed by Guru Tegh Bahadur | False: he was appointed by Guru Gobind Singh |
| 2. Guru Arjun Dev succeeded Guru Ram Das | True |
| 3. Guru Arjun Dev gave the Sikhs their script, Gurmukhi | False: Guru Angad Dev standardised Gurmukhi; Guru Arjun compiled the Adi Granth |
Only statement 2 is correct. The printed options do not include '2 only'; option (b) '2 and 3' is the nearest because it contains the one true statement, and it is the published key, but statement 3 in it is false.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 (nearest option and published key; the factual set is 2 only).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 names the wrong Guru.
- (b) CORRECT. It contains the true statement 2 and is the nearest option, although statement 3 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 3 are both false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
Key point
Gurus: Nanak, Angad (Gurmukhi), Amar Das, Ram Das, Arjan (Adi Granth), Hargobind, Har Rai, Har Krishan, Tegh Bahadur, Gobind Singh.
Remember
Guru Angad Dev standardised the Gurmukhi script.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Guru Arjun with creating Gurmukhi.
- Linking Banda Bahadur with Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- Forgetting that Arjan compiled the Adi Granth in 1604.
Exam tip
Angad: Gurmukhi; Arjan: Adi Granth and Harmandir Sahib.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Sikhism
- W. H. McLeod — The Sikhs: History, Religion, and Society (Columbia University Press, 1989)