UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper I · Q81 of 98 History hard

With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

  1. (a) archaeological excavations ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India
  3. (c) establishment of Churches in Princely States
  4. (d) construction of railways in Colonial India

Why the answer is (a)

• All five were archaeologists or antiquarians of the colonial period who excavated and recorded South Indian sites — option (a).

• Alexander Rea excavated Adichanallur and Amaravati; A.H. Longhurst worked at Nagarjunakonda and Hampi; Robert Sewell wrote 'A Forgotten Empire' on Vijayanagara and listed antiquarian remains of Madras.

• James Burgess founded the Indian Antiquary and headed the Archaeological Survey; Walter Elliot collected the Amaravati marbles and studied coins.

• Their work laid the basis for the Archaeological Survey of India's southern circles.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India
None of them was a printer or press founder.
(c) establishment of Churches in Princely States
They were archaeologists, not missionaries.
(d) construction of railways in Colonial India
They had no role in railway construction.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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