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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1996
South Indian Kingdoms
Question No. 78Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q78. Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasi?

Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasi?

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 1996 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (A) — Jagannath Puri Temple

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

The Jagannath Temple at Puri (Odisha) had an ancient tradition of dedicating female ritual dancers/servitors known as 'Maharis' (the Odishan equivalent of Devadasis) to Lord Jagannath. In the 1990s, issues concerning the living conditions, welfare, and eventual phasing out of the last surviving Maharis frequently appeared in the news.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Among the options, the Jagannath Temple at Puri maintained unbroken traditional ritual servitor practices (Maharis) well into the modern era.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1996 (Q78)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → South Indian Kingdoms
Official Answer KeyOption (A) — Jagannath Puri Temple

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1996 Q78

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1996 GS Paper I Question 78 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1996 Ancient History (South Indian Kingdoms) question is Option (A): "Jagannath Puri Temple". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1996 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "South Indian Kingdoms". You can explore all repeated questions from South Indian Kingdoms 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 South Indian Kingdoms UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Among the options, the Jagannath Temple at Puri maintained unbroken traditional ritual servitor practices (Maharis) well into the modern era.

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