Global Religions and Shrines

Previous Year Questions Analysis

Archived:

What is 'Kaaba'?

[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]

⚡ Generate AI Quick Summary

Correct Option: C

The Kaaba is the most sacred Muslim shrine, located in the Grand Mosque of Mecca. It serves as the direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims worldwide.

A. Hindu Shrine
B. Jew's Shrine
C. Muslim Shrine
D. None of the above

Analysis & Evidence

Concept


Sacred structures often define the communal focus of a faith. The Kaaba is the metaphysical center of the Islamic world and the point toward which all Muslims pray.

Authentic Source Evidence


The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building at the center of the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred site in Islam.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: It is covered with a black silk cloth called the Kiswah.

  • Logic 2: Embedded in its eastern corner is the Black Stone, believed to be a meteorite and a relic from the time of Adam and Eve.

  • Logic 3: Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage here, encircling the Kaaba (Tawaf) as a sign of unity and devotion.
  • Historical Logic Quest

    "What is the significance of the 'Qibla' in relation to the Kaaba?"

    The Qibla is the fixed direction toward the Kaaba that Muslims must face during their daily ritual prayers (Salah).

    The Topper's Edge

    "The Kaaba's architecture—a simple cube—emphasizes the Islamic principle of monotheism and the equality of all believers regardless of status."

    Analysing the UPSC previous year question paper is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly solving and analyzing these questions helps you decode the examiner's mindset, identify recurring historical themes, and build the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practise UPSC PYQ here with interactive question sets to learn and sharpen your edge!

    UPSC Question Bank | Verified
    Live Archive Status