There is more than a modicum of truth in the assertion that "a working knowledge of ancient history is necessary to the intelligent interpretation of current events". But the sage who uttered these words of wisdom might well have added something on the benefits of studying particularly the famous battles of history for the lessons they contain for those of us who lead or aspire to leadership. Such a study will reveal certain qualities and attributes which enabled the winners to win—and certain deficiencies which caused the losers to lose and the student will see that the same pattern recurs consistently, again and again, throughout the centuries. 22 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS 47. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. A study of the famous battles it history would help us understand the modern warfare. 2. Studying the history is essential in anyone who aspires to be a leader. Which of these assumptions is/are valid?

The passage highlights the benefits of studying famous battles for understanding leadership qualities and recurring patterns of success and failure. 1. A study of the famous battles in history would help us understand modern warfare. The passage focuses on the "lessons they contain for those of us who lead or aspire to leadership" and "qualities and attributes which enabled the winners to win—and certain deficiencies which caused the losers to lose." It emphasizes timeless leadership principles, not the technical or strategic understanding of "modern warfare" itself. Therefore, this assumption is not supported. 2. Studying history is essential in anyone who aspires to be a leader. The passage states there are "benefits of studying particularly the famous battles of history for the lessons they contain for those of us who lead or aspire to leadership." It mentions "benefits" of studying *battles* for leadership, not that studying *history* in general is "essential" for *anyone* aspiring to be a leader. The word "essential" is too strong and broad given the passage's focus on specific benefits from battles. Therefore, this assumption is not supported. Since neither assumption is valid based on the passage, D is the correct answer.