Indian Social Structure

Vaishyas were the hardest hit in Vedic society because they were subject to exploitation by both Brahmins (through religious taxes and rituals) and Kshatriyas (through taxes and forced labor). As the producing class, they bore the economic burden of supporting both the priestly and warrior classes.

Niyoga (levirate) was the practice where a childless widow would cohabit with her husband's brother (devar) to produce offspring, preferably a male heir. This custom ensured the continuation of the family line and provided security to the widow in Vedic society. It was not about celibacy, Vedic sacrifices, or sati.

Under Islamic taxation systems (jizya), Brahmins were often required to pay the highest rates as they were the wealthiest class with the most taxable resources. While some sources mention exemptions, historical records indicate Brahmins typically paid substantial jizya, more than traders, artisans, or disadvantaged groups.

During the Delhi Sultanate period, the Turkish ruling class established a hierarchy that placed foreign Muslims from Islamic regions (West Asia, Persia, Turkey) at the top. Indian Muslims and Muslims from other regions like Africa were considered socially inferior to these foreign-born Muslims.

Under Sikandar Lodhi, the Iqtadari system underwent significant reforms where the terminology and administrative structure were modified. The change in nomenclature from 'Mukti' to 'Wazafdar' represented an important administrative reorganization that helped streamline the revenue collection system. The other options are incorrect: the Iqtadari system did deal with land grants, and officials could still be transferred.

Jazia was a tax on non-Muslims, but certain categories were exempt - children, women, beggars, monks, and the disabled. Therefore 'All of the above' is correct as all these groups were exempt.

This is the correct answer as Al Biruni identified and discussed three barriers to understand the culture of the Indian subcontinent. Language was the first barrier as the languages of the subcontinent were Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit. The travellers understood Persian and Arabic. The second barrier was the difference in religious beliefs and practices. The third barrier was the self-absorption and consequent insularity of the local population.

Meghalaya, particularly the Khasi and Jaintia communities, practices matrilineal system where lineage, property, and family name pass through the mother's line. This is known as 'Khasi custom' or 'Khatduh' system.

This is the correct answer as these statements are correct.

Although Brahmins were instrumental as king-makers vide Chandragupta Maurya by clever Kautilya. But his grandson Ashoka embraced Buddhism. Brahmins wanted their predominance so as to indulge in priestly exploitation. They therefore raised a new race of Kshatryas as Rajputs and persecuted the Buddhists so as to exercise their upper caste status.

Sati was practiced on the demise of the husband whereas the purpose of Jauhar was to avoid dishonour at the hands of the invaders.

Brahmins were instrumental in making the caste system rigid in many occupational castes as cited above. A new caste emerged (Kayasthas) and their function was clerical.

Rajputs were extremely fond of raising huge palaces and temples, thereby fleecing the common man for raising the requisite resources. Slaves and prisoners were infused/employed for construction purpose. Secret cells of temples treasured huge wealth and ornaments. Hundreds of dancing girls with all temptations of music and decoration served in the temples to satiate the vices of the priest craft.

Groups in the society mean feeling of unity.

Gandhiji tried to reconcile individual freedom with social obligation. According to Gandhi, society is like a family and the relation between the individual and society is interdependent.