Chapter 6 of Class 11 history textbook focuses on "The Three Orders". This chapter explores the social structure of medieval Europe, which was divided into three main orders or estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the peasantry. In order to understand the source-based questions related to this chapter, let's break down the key points and address them one by one.

The Three Orders
The medieval society in Europe was divided into three main orders:

1. The Clergy:
- The clergy consisted of religious leaders, such as priests, bishops, and monks.
- They were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people and the administration of the church.
- They held significant power and influence in society.

2. The Nobility:
- The nobility consisted of feudal lords, knights, and other aristocrats.
- They derived their power and authority from their control over land and their ability to provide military service.
- They held a high social status and were responsible for governing their own territories.

3. The Peasantry:
- The peasantry comprised the majority of the population.
- They were primarily engaged in agriculture and worked on the lands owned by the clergy and nobility.
- They had limited rights and were obligated to provide labor and taxes to the landowners.

Source-Based Questions
1. What was the role of the clergy in medieval society?
- The clergy played a crucial role in providing spiritual guidance to the people.
- They administered the sacraments, preached sermons, and led religious rituals.
- They also held significant political power and influence, often serving as advisors to the rulers.

2. How did the nobility maintain their power and authority?
- The nobility maintained their power through the ownership of land.
- They controlled vast estates and had the authority to collect taxes and administer justice within their territories.
- They also had a monopoly on military power, as they were responsible for raising and maintaining armies.

3. What were the living conditions of the peasantry?
- The peasantry lived in rural areas and were primarily engaged in agricultural work.
- They lived in small, simple houses and had limited access to resources and amenities.
- They were often subjected to feudal obligations and had to provide labor and a portion of their produce to the landowners.

In conclusion, understanding the social structure of medieval Europe and the roles played by the clergy, nobility, and peasantry is crucial to answering source-based questions related to Chapter 6 of Class 11 history textbook.