Question

The Shveta-chatra or the "White Umbrella" was a symbol of sovereign political authority placed over the monarch's head at the time of the coronation. The ruler so inaugurated was regarded not as a temporal autocrat but as the instrument of protective and sheltering firmament of supreme law. The white umbrella symbol is of great antiquity and its varied use illustrates the ultimate common basis of non-theocratic nature of states in the Indian tradition. As such, the umbrella is found, although not necessarily a white one, over the head of Lord Ram, the Mohammedan sultans and Chatrapati Shivaji. Which one of the following best summarizes the above passage?

• A. The placing of an umbrella over the ruler's head was a common practice in the Indian subcontinent.
• B. The white umbrella represented the instrument of firmament of the supreme law and the non-theocratic nature of Indian states.
• C. The umbrella, not necessarily a white one, was a symbol of sovereign political authority.
• D. The varied use of the umbrella symbolised the common basis of the non-theocratic nature of states in the Indian tradition.

Hint:

When analyzing symbolic practices, look for options that explain broader cultural or historical trends rather than specific instances.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The passage describes the historical and symbolic role of the white umbrella in the coronation of rulers, showing that it was used as a symbol of sovereign political authority. The use of this umbrella, not necessarily white, in different traditions points to the common non-theocratic basis of these states. Hence, option (4) best captures the essence of the passage.