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GATE 2017 ME (ME1) – Question 6

General Aptitude · Verbal Aptitude: Grammar and Vocabulary · 2 marks · Multiple choice

“Here, throughout the early 1820s, Stuart continued to fight his losing battle to allow his sepoys to wear their caste-marks and their own choice of facial hair on parade, being again reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. His retort that ‘A stronger instance than this of European prejudice with relation to this country has never come under my observations’ had no effect on his superiors.” Which statement is most accurate?

  1. Stuart’s commander-in-chief was moved by this demonstration of his prejudice.
  2. The Europeans accommodated the sepoys’ desire to wear caste-marks.
  3. Stuart’s “losing battle” refers to his inability to succeed in enabling sepoys to wear caste-marks.
  4. The commander-in-chief was exempt from the European prejudice that dictated how sepoys should dress.

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Correct answer: (C) Stuart’s “losing battle” refers to his inability to succeed in enabling sepoys to wear caste-marks.

Explanation

Stuart continued asking for permission and was reprimanded, while his criticism had no effect on his superiors. Thus “losing battle” means his effort to secure that permission was unsuccessful, C. The passage does not support accommodation, a change of heart or an exemption of the commander-in-chief from the criticized prejudice.

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