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RAS question

Consider the following statements about the Varna system: 1. In the Early Vedic period, varna was primarily based on occupation and was flexible. 2. In the Later Vedic period, varna became hereditary and rigid. 3. The Shudras are mentioned with respect in the Purusha Sukta. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct answer: (C) 1 and 2 only.

In the Varna-system question, statements 1 and 2 are correct because varna was flexible and occupation-based in the Early Vedic period but became birth-based and rigid in the Later Vedic period, while the Purusha Sukta places Shudras at the feet rather than mentioning them with respect.

  1. (A)

    1, 2, and 3

  2. (B)

    1 only

  3. (C)

    1 and 2 only

  4. (D)

    2 and 3 only

Explanation

The key shift tested here is from a comparatively flexible, occupation-linked varna order in the Early Vedic period to a more rigid, hereditary order in the Later Vedic period, making statements 1 and 2 correct. NCERT supports the logic of hierarchy behind statement 3: the Brahmanical order placed Brahmanas first and Shudras at the bottom, treated status as determined by birth, and assigned Shudras the service of the three higher varnas. Its Purusha Sukta extract says the Brahmana came from the mouth, the Kshatriya from the arms, the Vaishya from the thighs, and the Shudra from the feet. That placement indicates subordination, not respectful mention.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) It includes statement 3, but the Purusha Sukta placement of Shudras at the feet supports subordination, not respectful mention.
  • (B) It accepts only the Early Vedic flexibility point and misses statement 2, which says varna became hereditary and rigid in the Later Vedic period.
  • (D) It wrongly includes statement 3 and omits statement 1, although Early Vedic varna is described as flexible and occupation-based.

Concept

This tests the standard Ancient Indian History distinction between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic phases of social organisation. RAS often asks such statement-combination questions because varna links textual evidence, social hierarchy and chronology in one compact theme.

Source

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