Which statement of Megasthenes is non-controversial?a)There were seven...
The correct option is C.
Humans are a diverse lot, but before Western imperialism, 83 percent of indigenous societies were polygynous, 16 percent monogamous, and 1 percent polyandrous (where women have multiple husbands).
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Which statement of Megasthenes is non-controversial?a)There were seven...
Statement of Megasthenes
Megasthenes was a Greek historian who wrote extensively about India during his time in the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Some of his statements about India are controversial, while others are non-controversial. The non-controversial statement among the options given is that "Indians were monogamous."
Indians were Monogamous
The statement that "Indians were monogamous" means that they believed in having only one spouse at a time. This was a common practice in ancient India and is still prevalent in many parts of the country today. The concept of monogamy was deeply ingrained in Indian society, and it was believed to be a sign of moral purity and social status.
Other Statements of Megasthenes
The other options given are controversial, and their validity is a subject of debate among historians. For example, the statement "There were no slaves in India" is not entirely accurate, as there is evidence to suggest that slavery did exist in ancient India, although it was not as widespread as in some other parts of the world. Similarly, the statement "There were no famines in India" is also controversial, as there have been instances of severe famines throughout Indian history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Megasthenes' statement that "Indians were monogamous" is non-controversial, and it provides insight into the social and cultural values of ancient India. However, his other statements about India require further examination and cannot be taken at face value.