UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 49

This question tests land measurement terms. The key concept is: Kulyavapa and dronavapa are ancient Indian land-measurement terms found in inscriptions. They refer to measures of land rather than coins, urban-land classifications or ritual categories. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option A. Option A — measurement of land: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Kulyavapa and dronavapa are ancient Indian land-measurement terms found in inscriptions. They refer to measures of land rather than coins, urban-land classifications or ritual categories. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option B — Coins of different monetary value: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Kulyavapa and dronavapa are ancient Indian land-measurement terms found in inscriptions. They refer to measures of land rather than coins, urban-land classifications or ritual categories. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — Classification of Urban land: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Kulyavapa and dronavapa are ancient Indian land-measurement terms found in inscriptions. They refer to measures of land rather than coins, urban-land classifications or ritual categories. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — religious rituals: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Kulyavapa and dronavapa are ancient Indian land-measurement terms found in inscriptions. They refer to measures of land rather than coins, urban-land classifications or ritual categories. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option A is the verified answer.