UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 41

Correct answer: Option B. Babur’s arrival and the establishment of Mughal power were associated with major political and military changes, but the statement about introducing the arch and dome into Indian architecture is historically problematic because these forms existed in India before Babur. The Timurid dynasty was established in India through Babur’s conquest. Thus statement 3 is the correct one in the given combination. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “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 B: “3 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “1 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 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. 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.