GATE ME 2017 Set 1 — Question 61

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyReading ComprehensionVerbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Reading Comprehension

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

“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.” According to this paragraph, which of the statements below is most accurate?

Correct answer (C) Stuart’s ‘losing battle’ refers to his inability to succeed in enabling sepoys to wear caste-marks. Solution The passage states that Stuart fought a "losing battle" to allow sepoys to wear caste-marks and facial hair, and his efforts were met with reprimands and had no effect on his superiors. This directly implies that he was unsuccessful in his attempt. Therefore, statement (C) is the most accurate. Statement (A) is incorrect because the retort had "no effect". Statement (B) is incorrect because the sepoys were reprimanded, showing a lack of accommodation. Statement (D) is incorrect because the commander-in-chief's actions were cited as an instance of European prejudice. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (C) Stuart’s ‘losing battle’ refers to his inability to succeed in enabling sepoys to wear caste-marks. Solution The passage states that Stuart fought a "losing battle" to allow sepoys to wear caste-marks and facial hair, and his efforts were met with reprimands and had no effect on his superiors. This directly implies that he was unsuccessful in his attempt. Therefore, statement (C) is the most accurate. Statement (A) is incorrect because the retort had "no effect". Statement (B) is incorrect because the sepoys were reprimanded, showing a lack of accommodation. Statement (D) is incorrect because the commander-in-chief's actions were cited as an instance of European prejudice.

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