The statement that "Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas" is correct, as the Upanishads, which explore philosophical concepts and the nature of reality, date back to around 800-400 BCE, making them among the oldest texts in Indian spiritual literature. In contrast, the Puranas were composed later, around the early centuries of the Common Era, serving to consolidate and narrate Hindu myths, genealogies, and cosmologies. Thus, their chronological relationship is significant for understanding the evolution of religious and philosophical thought in ancient India, which is a key focus area in UPSC syllabus related to Indian history and culture.