Test: Kinship, Caste And Class- 2 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

• The duties of the chandalas were laid down in the Manusmriti, an ancient legal text in Hinduism.
• Manusmriti is also known as the Laws of Manu and is one of the earliest and most important texts in the Hindu tradition.
• It provides guidelines on social, ethical, and religious conduct for individuals and society.
• The Manusmriti categorizes people into different varnas or social classes and prescribes specific duties for each varna, including the chandalas.
• Chandalas were considered to be outside the varna system and were often associated with tasks deemed impure or polluting.
• Despite the discriminatory treatment towards chandalas in ancient texts like Manusmriti, modern interpretations seek to promote equality and social justice.

• Servitude: The only occupation prescribed for Shudras in ancient Indian society was servitude.
• In the caste system of ancient India, Shudras were considered the lowest social class and were assigned the role of serving the higher castes.
• They were expected to perform menial tasks and labor for the upper castes without question.
• This system reinforced the idea of hierarchy and division of labor based on birth, with Shudras being relegated to a life of servitude.
• Despite efforts to abolish the caste system in modern times, remnants of this social structure still exist in some parts of India.
  
   

 Under patriliny, which is a system where descent and inheritance are traced through the male line, sons would be the ones who could claim their fathers' resources when the latter died. This system prioritizes male heirs in terms of inheritance and passing down resources.

• The assertion is true because the use of metronymics, or names derived from the mother, indicates that mothers played a significant role in Satavahana society.
• However, the reason is false. Although metronymics were used, the Satavahanas did not follow a strict matrilineal system. Inheritance and succession were generally patrilineal, with sons or male relatives succeeding the throne. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

• Statement i: This statement is correct. The Mahabharata indeed took around 1,000 years to be composed, beginning around 500 BCE, with initial recitations by charioteer-bards.

• Statement ii: This statement is correct. The critical edition project of the Mahabharata started in 1919 and revealed regional variations, taking 47 years to complete.

• Statement iii: This statement is incorrect. While Brahmanical norms generally emphasized patriliny, the Satavahana dynasty showed variations, including some women retaining their father's gotra, which reflects exceptions to strict patrilineal practices.

• Statement iv: This statement is correct. The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras indeed prescribed roles for the four varnas, with Shudras typically assigned to serve the higher varnas.

Therefore, the correct option is Option A.

Buddhists: Buddhists developed an alternative understanding of social inequalities by emphasizing the importance of compassion, non-violence, and equality among all beings. They believed in the interconnectedness of all individuals and promoted a society where everyone is treated with respect and kindness.

• The assertion is true because the Manusmriti indeed categorizes marriages into different types, reflecting societal norms and values. These categorizations were designed to guide the behavior of different varnas and maintain social order.
• The reason is also true as the Manusmriti was a key text in enforcing Brahmanical norms across society, dictating appropriate behaviors and roles for each varna. However, the reason does not directly explain the specific categorization of marriages, making Option B the correct answer.

• Statement i: This statement is correct. The Mahabharata was indeed initially composed by charioteer-bards who celebrated the victories and achievements of Kshatriya warriors.

• Statement ii: This statement is incorrect. While the Satavahana rulers did practice polygyny, they also showed variations in patriliny, with some women retaining their father's gotra, challenging strict adherence to Brahmanical norms.

• Statement iii: This statement is correct. The Manusmriti does categorize eight forms of marriage, distinguishing between those considered "good" and "condemned," reflecting the evolving social norms.

• Statement iv: This statement is correct. The critical edition project of the Mahabharata documented common and regional variations, reflecting the text's dynamic transmission.

Therefore, the correct option is Option D.

• The assertion is true as the Mahabharata’s composition over centuries involved a dialogue between dominant traditions (like Brahmanical norms) and local ideas, contributing to its rich and diverse content.
• However, the reason is false. While Brahmanas did play a role in the later stages of its composition, the Mahabharata was initially composed by charioteer-bards (sutas) who were not Brahmanas. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

• Chandalas could not walk at night.
• This is because traditionally, chandalas were considered to belong to the lowest social class in certain ancient Indian societies.
• Due to their low status, they were often restricted in their movements and activities, especially during the night.
• Walking at night could be seen as polluting or defiling certain spaces according to societal norms of that time.
• Therefore, chandalas were expected to refrain from walking during the night to maintain social order and purity.

• Statement i: This is correct. Xuan Zang did observe that executioners and scavengers were forced to live outside the city due to their professions being considered impure.

• Statement ii: This statement is incorrect. Xuan Zang noted that these professions were considered inauspicious and impure, not auspicious and pure.

• Statement iii: This is correct. The segregation was due to the belief that these professions brought bad luck and negative energy.

• Statement iv: This is correct. Xuan Zang’s observation indeed highlights the social prejudices and the need for greater understanding and empathy towards marginalized communities in ancient societies. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

• The assertion is true because patriliny, or the tracing of lineage through the male line, was a central feature of social organization in early Indian society. The importance of sons in continuing the family lineage is emphasized in many ritual texts.
• The reason, however, is false. The Rigveda does not emphasize the importance of daughters in lineage continuation; rather, it highlights the significance of sons. Hence, the correct answer is Option C.

Mathura was an important religious center as well. It was an important center of worship of Lord Krishna. Buddhist monasteries and Jain shrines were also present in Mathura. So, the correct option is B Lord Krishna

• Kshatriyas were supposed to engage in warfare, protect people, and administer justice.
• Brahmins were responsible for studying the Vedas, performing sacrifices, and making gifts.
• Shudras were the laboring class in the Vedic social hierarchy.
• Vaishyas were engaged in agriculture, pastoralism and trade.

• Patriliny refers to tracing descent through the male line.
• Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside one’s own kin group.
• Stridhana refers to the wealth accumulated by a woman during her marriage..
• Matriliny refers to tracing lineage through the female line.

The assertion is true because the use of metronymics does indicate that women, specifically mothers, held a notable status in Satavahana society. However, the reason is false. Despite the use of metronymics, succession in the Satavahana dynasty was generally patrilineal, with sons or male relatives inheriting the throne. Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

• Rigveda is the oldest text (c. 1500–1200 BCE).
• Manusmriti was composed later (c. 200 BCE–200 CE).
• Mahabharata took its final form around c. 500 BCE–400 CE.
• Ashtadhyayi by Panini was composed around c. 500 BCE.

• Statement i: This statement is incorrect. Polyandry, as seen in Draupadi's marriage, was not a common practice and was unusual, even controversial, in early Indian society.

• Statement ii: This statement is correct. The use of metronymics in the Satavahana dynasty indicates that women, particularly mothers, played a significant role, although succession remained largely patrilineal.

• Statement iii: This statement is correct. Exogamy was indeed emphasized in the Dharmasutras, particularly among high-status families, to form strategic alliances and avoid close kin marriages.

• Statement iv: This statement is correct. The critical edition led by V.S. Sukthankar did document both common elements and regional variations in the Mahabharata, reflecting the dynamic nature of its transmission.

Therefore, the correct option is Option C.

• Statement i is incorrect; while women were allowed to retain gifts as Stridhana, they did not inherit property equally as men (per the Manusmriti).
• Statement ii is correct; the Mahabharata does reflect social practices that were often normative for ruling elites.

• Vedas are the oldest texts, composed around 1500–500 BCE.
• Ramayana was composed after the Vedas, traditionally dated between 500 BCE and 100 BCE.
• Alexander the Great's invasion of India occurred in 326 BCE.
• Maurya Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 321 BCE.