Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Statements 1, 2 and 3 are all correct
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question examines your understanding of important figures in Sikh history and the sequence of Sikh Gurus. Examinations frequently frame such questions as sets of statements, asking candidates to identify which statements are correct. To answer accurately, you need both factual knowledge and the ability to evaluate each statement independently. The three statements here cover the appointment of Banda Bahadur, the succession of Sikh Gurus and the origin of the Gurmukhi script.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Statement 1 refers to Banda Bahadur and his appointment as a military leader by Guru Gobind Singh.- Statement 2 states that Guru Arjan Dev became the Sikh Guru after Guru Ram Das.- Statement 3 states that Guru Angad Dev gave the Sikhs their own script, known as Gurmukhi.- The options offer combinations of these statements being correct or incorrect.
Concept / Approach:
The best way to approach such a question is to test each statement using your knowledge of Sikh history. Banda Singh Bahadur, originally known as Madho Das Bairagi, became a follower of Guru Gobind Singh, who appointed him to lead Sikh military campaigns against oppressive Mughal authorities. Next, Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Sikh Guru and indeed succeeded his father, the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das. Regarding the Gurmukhi script, historical tradition credits Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru, with developing and standardising Gurmukhi for the Sikh scriptures. All three statements therefore correctly reflect accepted Sikh historical tradition, which means the option stating that all three are correct must be chosen.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Evaluate statement 1: historical accounts show that Guru Gobind Singh appointed Banda Bahadur as the leader of Sikh forces, so statement 1 is correct.2. Evaluate statement 2: the guru succession line is Guru Ram Das followed by his son Guru Arjan Dev, making statement 2 correct.3. Evaluate statement 3: Guru Angad Dev is known for giving the Sikh community the Gurmukhi script, so statement 3 is also correct.4. Since each of the three statements is correct, look for the option that includes all three as correct.5. Select the option that states that statements 1, 2 and 3 are all correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check these facts with standard history texts used for competitive exams. They clearly list the Sikh Gurus in order and explain that Guru Angad Dev standardised Gurmukhi, that Guru Arjan Dev compiled the Adi Granth and succeeded Guru Ram Das, and that Banda Singh Bahadur was a key military leader appointed by Guru Gobind Singh. When multiple independent sources agree on these points, it confirms that all three statements are accurate.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Only statements 1 and 2 are correct: this option wrongly assumes statement 3 is incorrect, even though Guru Angad Dev did give Gurmukhi to the Sikh community.- Only statements 2 and 3 are correct: this ignores the well documented appointment of Banda Bahadur by Guru Gobind Singh.- Only statements 1 and 3 are correct: by excluding statement 2, it wrongly suggests that Guru Arjan Dev did not follow Guru Ram Das, which contradicts accepted succession lists.- Only statement 2 is correct: this option rejects two accurate statements and is therefore clearly incorrect.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often misremember which Guru is linked with which contribution. Some incorrectly associate the Gurmukhi script with Guru Arjan Dev instead of Guru Angad Dev, because Guru Arjan Dev is famous for compiling the Adi Granth. Another common confusion involves the role of Banda Bahadur, with some students not connecting him clearly to Guru Gobind Singh. To avoid these errors, it is useful to create a concise table listing each Sikh Guru along with one or two key contributions, and to remember Banda Bahadur separately as the military leader appointed by the tenth Guru. This structured revision greatly improves accuracy in such multi statement questions.
Final Answer:
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are all correct.
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