Social Science ยท History

Indian Social Structure

1,850 Questions

Prepare for competitive exams by answering questions on the diverse Indian social structure. Topics include the historical caste system, Vedic political units, and various social reform movements. This hub offers valuable insights into the sociological framework of India.

Caste system dynamicsVedic societySocial reform movementsIndian family structure

Indian Social Structure Questions

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of untouchability in the caste system?

  1. Jati

  2. Varna

  3. Dalit

  4. Achhut
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Achhut is the term used to describe the practice of untouchability in the caste system, referring to those considered 'untouchable' and facing severe social discrimination and exclusion.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of marrying outside one's caste?

  1. Intercaste marriage

  2. Love marriage

  3. Arranged marriage

  4. Same-caste marriage
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Intercaste marriage refers to the practice of marrying outside one's caste, challenging the traditional endogamy norms and promoting social integration and equality.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of assigning social status and privileges based on birth into a particular caste?

  1. Caste hierarchy

  2. Caste discrimination

  3. Caste endogamy

  4. Caste purity
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Caste hierarchy refers to the practice of assigning social status and privileges based on birth into a particular caste, creating a rigid social stratification system.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of avoiding contact with members of lower castes due to perceived ritual impurity?

  1. Caste purity

  2. Caste pollution

  3. Caste untouchability

  4. Caste hierarchy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Caste untouchability refers to the practice of avoiding contact with members of lower castes due to perceived ritual impurity, leading to social exclusion and discrimination.

Multiple choice

Which caste is traditionally associated with tennis in India?

  1. Brahmins

  2. Kshatriyas

  3. Vaishyas

  4. Shudras
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Brahmins, the priestly caste in the Hindu caste system, have traditionally been associated with tennis in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the caste system in India?

  1. It is based on birth.

  2. It is a closed system.

  3. It is determined by one's occupation.

  4. It is a form of social stratification.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The caste system is based on birth, not occupation. One's occupation is determined by one's caste, not the other way around.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the social hierarchy of castes in India?

  1. Varna

  2. Jati

  3. Gotra

  4. Pravara
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Varna is the term used to describe the social hierarchy of castes in India. It is a Sanskrit word that means 'color' or 'class'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a varna in the Hindu caste system?

  1. Brahmin

  2. Kshatriya

  3. Vaishya

  4. Shudra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Shudra is not a varna in the Hindu caste system. It is a term used to describe the lowest caste in the system.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the sub-castes within a varna?

  1. Jati

  2. Gotra

  3. Pravara

  4. Shreni
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Jati is the term used to describe the sub-castes within a varna. It is a Sanskrit word that means 'birth' or 'lineage'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a function of caste in Indian society?

  1. It determines one's social status.

  2. It determines one's occupation.

  3. It determines one's marriage partner.

  4. It determines one's political power.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Caste does not determine one's political power in Indian society. Political power is determined by a variety of factors, including wealth, education, and political connections.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a positive discrimination policy that has been implemented by the Indian government to address caste discrimination?

  1. Reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

  2. Provision of scholarships and financial assistance to members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

  3. Establishment of special courts to deal with cases of caste discrimination

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

All of the above are positive discrimination policies that have been implemented by the Indian government to address caste discrimination.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the social and economic inequalities between different classes in society?

  1. Caste

  2. Class

  3. Varna

  4. Jati
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Class is the term used to describe the social and economic inequalities between different classes in society.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a factor that determines one's class position in society?

  1. Wealth

  2. Occupation

  3. Education

  4. Caste
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Caste is not a factor that determines one's class position in society. Class position is determined by economic and social factors, such as wealth, occupation, and education.

Multiple choice

Which of the following was the primary unit of social organization in ancient India?

  1. Family

  2. Caste

  3. Village

  4. Clan
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The family was the primary unit of social organization in ancient India. It consisted of a husband, wife, and their children, as well as extended family members such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Multiple choice

What was the social hierarchy in ancient India based on?

  1. Caste

  2. Wealth

  3. Occupation

  4. Gender
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The social hierarchy in ancient India was based on caste, which was a system of social stratification that divided society into four main groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.