Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 2 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.
Passage: 'Kalagram', the cultural village set up at the Maha Kumbh Mela, unfolded as a mosaic of India's diverse regions, each represented by seven meticulously crafted 'Sanskriti Angans' - stepping through the grand portal was like entering another world. These thematic zones, inspired by iconic temples like the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and the Brahma Mandir, were treasure troves of regional artistry. Bengal's Pattachitra paintings, Assam's bamboo crafts, Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur paintings, and Madhya Pradesh's tribal sculpture - all were showcased in these living galleries where 230 master artisans breathed life into them using age-old techniques, their hands shaping India's ancient history into creations to behold.
Which of the following conclusions are valid?
  1. Seven Sanskriti Angans, representing different regions of India, had been showcased in Kalagram.
  2. Regional artistry was recognised via the inspiration drawn from iconic temples.
  3. India's ancient history had been crafted by the contemporary craftsmanship of 230 artisans into creations to behold.
  4. Art forms from all regions of India had been showcased in these living galleries.
Select the answer using the code given below.

EXPLANATION

The correct option is (a) - 1 and 2 only.

[as per provisional answerkey]

Why this is correct

The passage explicitly states that Kalagram was represented by "seven meticulously crafted 'Sanskriti Angans'," each representing diverse regions of India, which validates Conclusion 1. Furthermore, the passage mentions that these thematic zones were "inspired by iconic temples like the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and the Brahma Mandir" and served as "treasure troves of regional artistry," directly supporting Conclusion 2 that regional artistry was recognized through the inspiration of these temples.

Why the other options are incorrect

  • Conclusion 3 - India's ancient history had been crafted by the contemporary craftsmanship...: This is a subtle distortion of the text. The passage states that artisans used "age-old techniques" to shape "India's ancient history into creations." It does not characterize the craftsmanship itself as "contemporary"; rather, it emphasizes the use of ancient, traditional methods.
  • Conclusion 4 - Art forms from all regions of India had been showcased...: This is an overgeneralization. While the passage mentions "diverse regions" and lists specific examples (Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh), it does not claim that all regions of India were represented. In UPSC CSAT, extreme words like "all" usually require explicit verification in the text, which is missing here.
  • Option (b), (c), and (d): These options are incorrect because they either include the invalid Conclusion 4 (options b and c) or exclude the valid Conclusion 2 (option d).

Key Concept

The distinction between "diverse" and "all," and the importance of adhering strictly to the descriptive adjectives provided in the text (age-old vs. contemporary).