UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 20

Correct answer: Option D. Dadabhai Naoroji developed the Drain of Wealth critique of colonial economic exploitation. R. C. Dutt systematically analysed colonial economic policies and their effects on Indian agriculture and industry. G. Subramania Iyer was also among the early Indian critics who wrote about colonial economic exploitation. Therefore all three listed figures can be associated with the economic critique of colonialism. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “1 and 2 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “2 and 3 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “1, 2 and 3” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.