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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2022
Religions & Philosophy
Question No. 32Interactive Test Mode
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Q32. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2022 • Art and Culture

Correct Answer: Option (B) — The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Option (b) is correct: Sangam literature reveals awareness of the Varna concept and mentions social strata such as Arashar (rulers), Anthanar (priests), Vanigar (traders), and Vellalar (cultivators).

Option (a) is incorrect as Sangam poetry provides rich accounts of material life, trade, and luxury items. Option (c) is incorrect as heroic poetry (Puram) extensively elaborates on warrior ethics, valour, and memorial hero-stones (Natukal). Option (d) is incorrect because magical beliefs and animistic forces (Ananku) were viewed as real and integral, not dismissed as irrational.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Eliminate extreme statements: options (a), (c), and (d) make absolute assertions ('devoid of any reference', 'no reference', 'irrational'), pointing to option (b) as the nuanced historical truth.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022 (Q32)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicArt and Culture → Religions & Philosophy
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2022 Q32

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper I Question 32 (Art and Culture)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2022 Art and Culture (Religions & Philosophy) question is Option (B): "The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2022 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Art and Culture" and micro-topic "Religions & Philosophy". You can explore all repeated questions from Religions & Philosophy in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Religions & Philosophy UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Eliminate extreme statements: options (a), (c), and (d) make absolute assertions ('devoid of any reference', 'no reference', 'irrational'), pointing to option (b) as the nuanced historical truth.

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