The feisty agrarian land of Punjab has always been shy in boasting about its built heritage, instead letting its overenthusiastic bhangra and scrumptious tandoori chicken do most of the talking. Nonetheless, it does have stunning edifices dotting its landscape and is quite an indulgence for the history-digger. Amongst them all, Kapurthala is definitely the crowning glory. Its lineage dates back to founder, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, an astute warrior, who played a pivotal role in crushing numerous invasions to become the first leader who consolidated large parts of Punjab. In a way, Jassa Singh laid the path for Punjab’s most exceptional monarch, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, to establish an impregnable Sikh empire years later.
However, Kapurthala owes its structural legacy to Maharaja Jagatjit Singh. A widely-travelled royal, his voyages allowed him to see exceptional architecture and he chose the blueprint of some of the finest in the world to adorn his State with. That’s how Kapurthala got the Moorish Mosque. Recreated by the French architect, Manteaux, on the pattern of the Koutoubia or Grand Mosque of Marakesh, Morocco’s signature structure, it was erected in 1930 at a cost of ` 4 lakh. Far removed from the Indo-Islamic, marble-domed mosques found around the country, it has instead a brick-work facade, no dome, a flat roofed entrance and, uniquely, a single cuboidal minaret.
What appealed instantly were the joyous colors that reflected a Mediterranean ambience. I was gripped by a rose pink wall meeting a lemon one round the corner, mustard-colored arches, glazed dark turquoise ridged tiles capping a hexagonal dome or the touch of green in its minaret. The intricate, brick-filigreed minaret is further adorned with a spire which is three copper balls in reducing size, signifying the traditional style of the Almohads, a dynasty that originated in 1121 A.D. with Ibn Tumart, a Berber tribe member of the Atlas Mountains; and by 1149 A.D., it had established its control over Marakesh. The Grand Mosque was built between 1184 and 1199 A.D. Centuries later, the Moorish Mosque in Punjab stood as a splendid link in the six degrees of separation from a passage of history that played out in distant Africa.
Today’s Kapurthala has a reticent charm. In addition to this slice of Morocco, the town is dotted with other European replicas too. I observed a bit of France in the Jagatjit Palace, a close reproduction of the Palace of Versailles, that is now the Sainik School. A touch of Greece came across in the Jagatjit Club that’s designed on the lines of the Acropolis. A bevy of places that completed the impressive line-up were the IndoSaracenic Jhagar Singh War Memorial; Elysee Palace that’s now MGN Public School; the Islamic-patterned former Durbar Hall which at present serves as the District Court; and the Randhir College that was set up in 1856 and named after a former ruler.
Pick out the antonym of ‘impregnable’ as used in the passage
- Vulnerable
- Courageous
- Senile
- Strong
- Safe
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The given question asks us to identify the antonym of the word "impregnable" as used in the provided passage. Let's analyze the context and meaning of the term:
Step 1: Understanding the Context and Meaning
In the passage, "impregnable" is used in the context of describing the Sikh Empire established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The term "impregnable" generally means something that is strong and cannot be easily overcome, captured, or defeated. It conveys a sense of being unassailable or invulnerable.
Step 2: Identifying the Antonym
To find the antonym, we need a word that conveys the opposite meaning - something that is weak or easily overcome. Let's evaluate the options provided:
- Vulnerable: This word means exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed. It is the opposite of impregnable, which means strong and secure.
- Courageous: This word means showing bravery or fearlessness. It does not fit the opposite of "impregnable."
- Senile: This refers to the weaknesses or diseases of old age. It is unrelated to the context of strength or security.
- Strong: This is a synonym of impregnable, so it cannot be the antonym.
- Safe: While it suggests protection, which is somewhat related to "impregnable," it does not capture the opposite meaning as well as "vulnerable" does.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct antonym of "impregnable" as used in the passage is "Vulnerable." It directly contrasts the secure and unbeatable nature of "impregnable" by indicating a state of exposure to harm or attack.
A host of author’s friends were surprised to know
- That the author visited Morocco and the Grand Mosque of Marakesh
- That Kapurthala, an erstwhile royal province, has the Grand Mosque of Marakesh
- That the Grand Mosque of Marakesh is a replica of the Moorish Mosque that stands in Kapurthala
- That an exact copy of the Grand Mosque of Marakesh stands in Punjab
- That Punjab is much more than bhangra and tandoori chicken
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The question is based on a comprehension passage about the architectural and cultural heritage of Kapurthala, Punjab, particularly focusing on the Moorish Mosque, a replica of Morocco's Grand Mosque of Marakesh. To address the question, we must determine what surprised the author's friends according to the passage.
Step-by-step Analysis:
- The passage starts with a dialogue between the author and his friend about an image of a mosque, which his friend mistakenly believes to be in Morocco.
- The author clarifies that the mosque is actually located in Kapurthala, Punjab.
- The mosque discussed is a replica of the Grand Mosque of Marakesh, which surprises the author's friend and others due to its unexpected presence in Punjab.
- The comprehension states that the surprise of the author's friends springs from the fact that such a historically significant and architecturally grand mosque exists in Punjab, a region stereotypically known for its agrarian identity and cultural symbols like bhangra and tandoori chicken.
Correct Answer Justification:
The correct answer is: "That an exact copy of the Grand Mosque of Marakesh stands in Punjab."
- This answer directly aligns with the passage, which describes how the host of the author's friends are surprised to learn about the existence of a replica of the Grand Mosque of Marakesh in Kapurthala, Punjab.
- Other options are incorrect because they do not encapsulate the central idea of the friends' surprise, as discussed in the passage.
- The surprise is not merely about the existence of the Moorish Mosque in Kapurthala but specifically about a replica of the Grand Mosque of Marakesh being present in Punjab.
The passage opens with a/an
- Reproach
- Denigration
- Refutation
- Approval
- Tiff
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The question asks us to identify the nature of a passage opening from the given options. The context and argument within the passage will guide us to the correct answer. Let's analyze the passage:
- The passage begins with a conversation between the narrator and a friend, concerning the identity of a location shown in an image.
- The narrator initially refutes the friend's claim that the image is of Morocco, stating instead that it is Punjab.
- The passage then continues with their back-and-forth disagreement over the origin of the mosque depicted.
- The key word that helps us identify the nature of the passage opening is “rebuttal session”; this indicates a process of refuting or disprove a claim.
- Consequently, the opening of this passage primarily involves a refutation, as the narrator is challenging and proving incorrect the assertions by his friend regarding the mosque's location.
Given this analysis, the correct answer is Refutation, as the passage opens with a back-and-forth exchange where the narrator refutes the friend's assertion regarding the image's depiction.
Justification of Other Options:
- Reproach: This option means an expression of disapproval or disappointment, which is not the case in this context, as the conversation is more about correcting misconceptions rather than disapproving any behavior.
- Denigration: This refers to unfair criticism of someone, which is not evident in this exchange; instead, it is more of a factual correction.
- Approval: This option implies agreement or acceptance, which is contrary to the refutation demonstrated in the passage.
- Tiff: Although there is a slight argument, a 'tiff' usually represents a minor quarrel which doesn't capture the purposeful rebuttal intended here.
How did Kapurthala get the Moorish Mosque?
- Jassa Singh Ahluwalia got it constructed on the lines of Elysee Palace
- The French architect, Manteaux, built it as a replica of the Acropolis
- Ibn Tumart, a Berber tribe member of the Atlas Mountains, constructed it as a close reproduction of the Palace of Versailles
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh added a special charm to Kapurthala by building the Mosque as a fine representation of Indo-islamic culture
- Maharaja Jagatjit Singh’s admiration for the architectural wonders made him bring blueprints of some of the finest in the world to adorn the State with
The Correct Option is
Solution and Explanation
The question pertains to the historical context and reasoning behind the construction of the Moorish Mosque in Kapurthala. Let's break down the given options and the provided comprehension to reach the correct answer.
- Comprehension Analysis: The provided passage reveals that the Moorish Mosque in Kapurthala is a replica of the Koutoubia Mosque of Marrakesh, Morocco. This construction was driven by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh's extensive travels, during which he admired global architectural wonders and decided to bring blueprints of these masterpieces to Kapurthala.
- Evaluating the Options:
- The first option states, "Jassa Singh Ahluwalia got it constructed on the lines of Elysee Palace." This is incorrect as the passage credits the founding of Kapurthala's architectural legacy to Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, not Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
- The second option mentions, "The French architect, Manteaux, built it as a replica of the Acropolis." According to the passage, the Mosque was constructed by the French architect Manteaux, but it was a replica of the Koutoubia Mosque, not the Acropolis.
- The third option suggests, "Ibn Tumart constructed it as a close reproduction of the Palace of Versailles." This is factually incorrect, as Ibn Tumart is historically unrelated to the construction of the mosque in Kapurthala, and neither is the Palace of Versailles involved in this context.
- The fourth option states, "Maharaja Ranjit Singh added a special charm to Kapurthala by building the Mosque." However, it was Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, not Ranjit Singh, who introduced these architectural wonders to Kapurthala.
- The fifth option correctly states, "Maharaja Jagatjit Singh’s admiration for the architectural wonders made him bring blueprints of some of the finest in the world to adorn the State with." This aligns with the passage, confirming the correct answer.
- Conclusion: Based on the comprehension and the analysis of the options, the correct answer is that Maharaja Jagatjit Singh's admiration for global architectural wonders led him to replicate these designs in Kapurthala, particularly with the creation of the Moorish Mosque.
According to the author, Punjab is shy of boasting about
- Its rich cultural diversity
- Its architectural marvels
- Its agrarian wealth
- Its traditional bhangra dance
- Its typical dish tandoori chicken
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The question is asking what Punjab is shy of boasting about, according to the author. To find the correct answer, we must examine the comprehension passage provided.
The relevant part of the passage states: "The feisty agrarian land of Punjab has always been shy in boasting about its built heritage, instead letting its overenthusiastic bhangra and scrumptious tandoori chicken do most of the talking."
From this sentence, it is clear that Punjab does not boast about its built heritage, which relates to architectural marvels.
Now, let's analyze the options:
- Its rich cultural diversity: The passage does not specifically mention that Punjab is shy in boasting about its cultural diversity.
- Its architectural marvels: The passage explicitly states that Punjab is shy in boasting about its built heritage, which includes architectural marvels.
- Its agrarian wealth: The term "feisty agrarian land" highlights that Punjab is known for its agrarian wealth, but the passage does not say it is shy about this.
- Its traditional bhangra dance: The author mentions that bhangra is something Punjab emphasizes, not something it is shy about.
- Its typical dish tandoori chicken: Similar to bhangra, tandoori chicken is also highlighted as something Punjab boasts about.
Thus, the correct answer is option 2, "Its architectural marvels," because Punjab is shy in boasting about its built heritage, as stated in the passage.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- The advent of social media has dramatically transformed the way individuals consume and share information. In earlier times, people largely depended on newspapers, radio, or television as their primary sources of knowledge about the world. These were institutions that followed established editorial practices and fact-checking processes. With the rise of digital platforms, however, the traditional ‘gatekeepers’ of information have been bypassed. Today, anyone with internet access can create content, express an opinion, or broadcast an idea to a global audience within seconds.
This shift has certainly democratized access and given voice to communities and individuals who were often ignored by mainstream media. Yet, this democratization comes with challenges. Alongside genuine voices, social media has also amplified misinformation, rumours, and half-truths. Unlike traditional journalism, where accountability and verification are built into the system, social media thrives on speed, virality, and emotion. A misleading headline, a misinterpreted statistic, or even a doctored image can travel across the world before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
The consequences of such unchecked information can be serious, ranging from the spread of fear and panic to the manipulation of public opinion. The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual users to institutions and democracies. Political campaigns, corporate branding, and even social movements are now shaped by algorithms that decide what people see and when they see it. These algorithms prioritize engagement, often promoting content that provokes stronger emotional reactions rather than balanced analysis.
As a result, echo chambers form, online spaces where people are repeatedly exposed to opinions that mirror their own, reinforcing biases and reducing openness to differing perspectives. This has contributed to increasing polarization in societies across the world. Moreover, the competition for attention has blurred the line between information and entertainment, leading to the rise of sensationalism even in serious public discourse. The credibility of expertise too has been undermined, as opinions from unverified sources are often placed on the same footing as evidence-based knowledge.
In response, several governments and technology companies are exploring ways to promote digital literacy, enhance transparency in algorithms, and strengthen fact-checking collaborations. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the openness of digital spaces with mechanisms that ensure responsibility and trustworthiness in public communication.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom, army, law-courts, revenue, and policy, all complete. But, today, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go and hunt it for myself. The beginning of everything was in a railway train upon the road to Mhow from Ajmir. There had been a deficit in the Budget, which necessitated travelling, not Second class, which is only half as dear as First class, but by Intermediate, which is very awful indeed. There are no cushions in the Intermediate class, and the population is either Intermediate, which is Eurasian, or native, which for a long night journey is nasty; or Loafer, which is amusing though intoxicated. Intermediates do not patronize refreshment rooms. They carry their food in bundles and pots, and buy sweets from the native sweet meat sellers, and drink the roadside water. That is why in the hot weather Intermediates are taken out of the carriages dead, and in all weathers are most properly looked down upon.
My particular Intermediate happened to be empty till I reached Nasirabad, when a huge gentleman in shirt sleeves entered, and following the custom of Intermediates, passed the time of day. He was a wanderer and a vagabond like myself, but with an educated taste for alcohol. He told daring tales of things he had seen and done, of out-of-the-way corners of the Empire into which he had penetrated, and of adventures in which he risked his life for a few days’ food. “If India was filled with men like you and me, not knowing more than the crows where they’d get their next day’s rations, it isn’t seventy millions of revenue the land would be paying, it’s seven hundred millions,” said he; and as I looked at his mouth and chin I was disposed to agree with him.
We talked politics, the politics of Loaferdom that sees things from the underside where the lath and plaster is not smoothed off, and we talked postal arrangements because my friend wanted to send a telegram back from the next station to Ajmir, which is the turning off place from the Bombay to the Mhow line as you travel westward. He had the air of one who had seen strange countries and stranger men, yet bore himself without vanity. There was a restless light in his eyes, the sort that belongs to men who have lived too long without a fixed purpose. When he spoke of the Empire, it was not with loyalty nor with bitterness, but with the detached amusement of one who has played his part and lost interest in the game. His laughter came easily, though it seemed to echo from some remembered hardship. It struck me then that his stories were less of adventure than of survival.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Democracy, often hailed as the most equitable form of governance, is a system where power ultimately rests in the hands of the people. The word derives from the Greek words ”demos” meaning people and ”kratos” meaning power or rule. Democracy aims to provide equal political participation and protect the individual freedoms of all citizens. However, while the idea of democracy is simple, its practice is frequently complex and fraught with challenges. At its core, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule, yet it simultaneously guarantees the protection of minority rights.
This balance ensures that while the majority has the power to make decisions through voting, the fundamental rights of minorities are not trampled upon. Such a system requires consistent vigilance and respect for the rule of law. Without these, democracies can devolve into majoritarian tyranny or authoritarianism. The practice of democracy is not merely limited to voting in elections. It encompasses freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, free press, and protection of individual rights. These elements together create a political environment where citizens can express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in decision-making. When any component is weakened, the democratic process becomes vulnerable.
In recent times, democratic societies worldwide have grappled with new challenges. The rise of misinformation and fake news has eroded public trust in institutions and polarized societies. Social media platforms, meant to facilitate communication, have sometimes amplified divisive narratives and falsehoods. This has resulted in voter manipulation and a growing skepticism toward democratic processes. Literacy in media and critical thinking is increasingly vital to safeguard democracy from such threats. Economic inequality poses another significant challenge. While democracy promises equal rights politically, vast disparities in wealth and opportunity undermine this ideal.
This phenomenon raises questions about whether democracy is achievable without addressing socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is crucial. Democracy requires that people are informed, engaged, and willing to participate beyond casting votes. Civic education and awareness campaigns play an essential role in nurturing responsible citizenship. Apathy or disengagement weakens the democratic fabric, opening avenues for corruption and other dangers to the system. In conclusion, democracy thrives on the collective responsibility of governments and citizens to protect its pillars and ensure inclusive, fair governance.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
The Rule of Law
by Tom BinghamJustice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
by Michael J. SandelLetters to a Law Student
by Nicholas J. McBrideIn The Rule of Law, former Lord Chief Justice Tom Bingham explores how the principle of legality underpins modern democratic life. He defines the rule of law as more than just adherence to formal rules; it is the assurance that power is exercised within clear, fair, and publicly known boundaries.
Bingham distills the concept into eight principles, including equality before the law, access to justice, and respect for fundamental human rights. Drawing on cases and historical examples, he warns that national security and administrative efficiency must never override the rights of individuals.
The book bridges legal philosophy and practice, arguing that law must be both predictable and humane. For Bingham, the rule of law represents a moral ideal, one that sustains public trust in justice and curbs arbitrary governance.Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? examines moral reasoning in law and politics. Through examples like price gouging, affirmative action, and taxation, Sandel invites readers to explore competing notions of fairness.
He engages with philosophical traditions such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian egalitarianism, showing that questions of justice cannot be separated from questions of virtue and the common good.
Sandel rejects the idea of a morally “neutral” legal system, arguing that public deliberation about values is essential to democracy. Ultimately, he argues that a just society is one that cultivates civic responsibility, not merely individual rights.Nicholas McBride’s Letters to a Law Student is a practical and reflective guide for aspiring lawyers. Written as a series of letters to a student beginning law school, it explores what legal study truly involves.
This includes mastering case analysis, understanding precedents, and developing critical reasoning. McBride distinguishes between knowing the law and thinking like a lawyer, the latter requiring analytical discipline and ethical awareness.
He emphasizes that good lawyers combine intellectual rigor with moral judgment and clarity of expression. Beyond academic success, the book urges students to reflect on law’s purpose, balancing order, justice, and compassion in human affairs.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular as a means to address food security, sustainability, and mental well-being in cities. By growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, individuals can reduce their reliance on commercial supply chains that contribute to extensive transportation, energy consumption, and synthetic chemical use. In addition to providing fresh, nutritious food, urban gardening also contributes to environmental sustainability by mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and managing water runoff. Furthermore, it offers psychological benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Despite its many benefits, urban gardening faces challenges like space limitations, poor soil quality, and inadequate sunlight, which gardeners overcome using innovative techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.
- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
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If the price of a commodity increases by 25%, by what percentage should the consumption be reduced to keep the expenditure the same?
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A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above cost price and offers a 10% discount. What is his percentage profit?
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- IBSAT - 2025
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