Cause & Effect — Identify the Relationship: I. Indian people are among the most religious in the world. II. India has innumerable places of worship across faiths. Which option best captures the causal link between I and II?
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AIf statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect
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BIf statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect
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CIf both statements I and II are independent causes
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DIf both statements I and II are effects of independent causes
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EIf I and II are unrelated facts
Answer
Correct Answer: If statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The item juxtaposes a population trait (high religiosity) with a built environment outcome (many places of worship). We must decide which drives which.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- I: High religiosity among people.
- II: Numerous temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, etc.
- Assume community demand often leads to construction of religious sites.
Concept / Approach:Demand-driven infrastructure: a more religious populace (I) creates/maintains more worship spaces (II). The reverse (II→I) claims buildings create religiosity, which is weaker.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Map sociological demand: higher participation → more venues.2) Observe that across faiths, turnout and donations sustain places of worship → I explains II.3) Hence, I is the cause; II is the effect.Verification / Alternative check:Historical growth of shrines usually corresponds to devout populations; removing II would not necessarily erase I, supporting I→II rather than II→I.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Reversing direction lacks support; independence ignores the intuitive linkage; “unrelated” is untenable.
Common Pitfalls:Equating correlation with causation in the wrong direction.
Final Answer:Option A: Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect.