Correct answer: (a) 1 3 4 2
Explanation
- A
1 3 4 2
Option (a) matches Rajasthan with 10 seats, Gujarat with 11 seats, Karnataka with 12 seats, and Punjab with 7 seats, yielding the correct sequence 1, 3, 4, 2. This exact distribution corresponds to the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which allocates Rajya Sabha seats based on state populations. Since Rajasthan has 10, Gujarat 11, Karnataka 12, and Punjab 7 seats, this option uniquely provides the precise constitutional figures for all four states.
- B
2 3 4 1
Option (b) proposes the sequence 2, 3, 4, 1, which incorrectly assigns 7 seats to Rajasthan. Rajasthan actually holds 10 seats in the upper house, making this initial pairing factually erroneous. Therefore, this option fails right at the first step.
- C
1 2 3 4
Option (c) suggests the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, linking Rajasthan to 10 and Gujarat to 7 seats. However, Gujarat is allocated 11 seats, not 7, rendering this combination incorrect. Thus, the mismatch in Gujarat's representation invalidates the entire sequence.
- D
4 3 1 2
Option (d) lists 4, 3, 1, 2, assigning 12 seats to Rajasthan. Rajasthan only has 10 seats in the Rajya Sabha, while 12 seats belong to Karnataka. Consequently, this option gets multiple state allocations wrong.
Summary. Official key is (a) as it accurately matches the Rajya Sabha seat allocations for Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab with their respective constitutional numbers. The distribution of seats in the upper house is governed by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. Aspirants often confuse the seat shares of similarly sized states like Gujarat and Karnataka. Carefully memorizing these figures prevents negative marking in matching-type questions.