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GATE 2016 ME (ME3) – Question 7

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

Social science disciplines were in existence in an amorphous form until the colonial period when they were institutionalized. In varying degrees, they were intended to further the colonial interest. In the time of globalization and the economic rise of postcolonial countries like India, conventional ways of knowledge production have become obsolete. Which can be logically inferred? (i) Social science disciplines have become obsolete. (ii) Social science disciplines had a pre-colonial origin. (iii) Social science disciplines always promote colonialism. (iv) Social science must maintain disciplinary boundaries.

  1. (ii) only
  2. (i) and (iii) only
  3. (ii) and (iv) only
  4. (iii) and (iv) only

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Correct answer: (A) (ii) only

Explanation

The passage says that the disciplines existed in an amorphous form before colonial institutionalisation. This supports their precolonial origin. It is conventional ways of knowing that became obsolete, not the disciplines themselves, so **II only, A** follows.