SarkariPYQ

SSC MTS 2022 PYQ — Question 4

SSC MTS - 26 July 2022 - Shift 2 • English • Q4

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In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

In a significant find, the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (1) ______ discovered the earliest epigraphic evidence so far for the Saptamatrika cult. It is also (2) ______ earliest Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered (3) ______ South India as of date.
Saptamatrikas are a group of seven female deities worshipped in Hinduism as personifying the energy of their respective consorts. The inscription is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi characters and was (4) ______ by Satavahana King Vijaya in 207 A.D. The inscription came to light when some local villagers informed the authorities of the presence of a pillar with some engravings when they were restoring and (5) ______ the local Bheemeshwara temple.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. the.

 

The blank requires an article to complete the sentence.

  • Option "one" cannot be used as it is a numeral, and not an article.
  • Option "a" is an indefinite article and can be used before a singular noun that begins.
  • However, "earliest" begins with a vowel sound, so "an" would be the appropriate choice.
  • Option "an" is the correct answer, as it is an indefinite article that is used before a singular noun that begins with a vowel sound, such as "earliest."

Therefore, the completed sentence is:

"It is also the earliest Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered in South India as of date."