RAS question
Consider the following statements about the Pushkar fair of Rajasthan: 1. It is held annually at Pushkar in Ajmer district. 2. It is primarily a cattle and camel trading fair. 3. It is held during Kartik Purnima (October–November). 4. It is the largest camel fair in the world. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Correct answer: (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
All four statements are correct: the Pushkar Fair is an annual fair at Pushkar in Ajmer district, centred on camel and livestock trading during Kartik Purnima in October-November, and is described as the world's largest camel fair.
Explanation
The Pushkar Fair is not just a religious gathering; it is also a livestock economy event. It is held at Pushkar in Ajmer district during Kartik Purnima, usually in October-November, and is a five-day fair where camels, horses and cattle are traded. Rajasthan Tourism calls the Pushkar Fair an annual five-day camel and livestock fair held in Pushkar between October and November, and labels it the world's largest camel fair. That is why statement 2 cannot be excluded: the fair's religious association with the Brahma temple exists alongside its cattle and camel trading role. Since statements 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all correct, option D is the only complete answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Option A stops at the location and trading character, but it leaves out the Kartik Purnima timing and the world's-largest-camel-fair identification, both of which are part of the answer.
- (B) Option B includes the place, trading role and timing, but it wrongly excludes statement 4 even though the fair is described as the world's largest camel fair.
- (C) Option C wrongly drops statement 2, although the fair is identified as a camel and livestock fair and cattle and camel trading are a central feature.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan cultural geography: how fairs are identified by place, season and economic function. RAS repeats such items because Pushkar connects religious geography with livestock trade and tourism.