UPSC Prelims 2022 · Question 96 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2022 question on Somnath Temple Circuit House
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2022
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectInternational Relations
- TopicCurrent Affairs
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Verdict
Correct statements: 1 and 2 → Option (a) 1 and 2 only.
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – CORRECT: Somnath is a magnificent temple located in Saurashtra, on the west coast of Kathiawar. One of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is in Jyotirlinga at Somnath. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: Al-Beruni writes that the temple was built of stone and 'constructed about 100 years prior to Mahmud's attack (which would date it to the 10th century)' — it was set in a fortress surrounded by the sea on 3 sides. Al-Beruni states that the upper part of the icon was broken at the orders of Mahmud and parts of it were taken back as loot to Ghazni. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3 – INCORRECT: India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad proposed to purify the Jyotirlinga. The Pran Pratishtha of the present-day Somnath Temple was done by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad (NOT S. Radhakrishnan). Hence statement 3 is not correct.
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