According to Medhatithi, the Shudras were not slaves by nature. This means that their status as Shudras did not inherently make them slaves or lower in social hierarchy. This view challenges the traditional belief that Shudras were meant to serve the higher castes and were considered inferior.

Explanation:

Medhatithi was a medieval Indian scholar who wrote a commentary on the Manusmriti, one of the ancient Hindu legal texts. His interpretation of the Manusmriti provides insights into his views on the social status and rights of the Shudras, who were considered the lowest caste in the traditional caste system.

According to Medhatithi, the Shudras were not slaves by nature (option A). This means that their social status as Shudras did not automatically make them slaves or subservient to the higher castes. Medhatithi's interpretation challenges the prevailing notion that Shudras were destined to serve the higher castes and had limited rights and opportunities.

However, it is important to note that Medhatithi's views were not universally accepted, and there were different interpretations of the Manusmriti and the social status of the Shudras. Some scholars and social reformers, such as Jyotirao Phule and B.R. Ambedkar, argued for the rights and upliftment of the Shudras and other lower castes based on their own interpretations of Hindu scriptures.

Option B states that according to Medhatithi, the Shudras had a right to follow all the four ashramas like the members of the twice-born castes. The four ashramas, or stages of life, are Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (hermit), and Sannyasa (renunciate). This implies that Medhatithi believed that the Shudras should have the same opportunities as the higher castes to pursue spiritual growth and progress through these stages of life.

Option C states that according to Medhatithi, the Shudras had the right to perform marriage rites prescribed by the Smritis. The Smritis are another set of ancient Hindu legal texts that provide guidelines for various aspects of life, including marriage. This suggests that Medhatithi believed that the Shudras should have the same rights and rituals associated with marriage as the higher castes.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A, which states that according to Medhatithi, the Shudras were not slaves by nature. This reflects his belief in the equality and rights of the Shudras, challenging the traditional social hierarchy of the caste system.