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
What is the term used to describe the social and political system in which a small group of people hold power and privilege based on their military strength?
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Militarism
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Casteism
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Communalism
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Feudalism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Militarism refers to the social and political system in which a small group of people hold power and privilege based on their military strength. It is a system of government that emphasizes the importance of military power and the use of force to achieve political goals.
What is the primary basis for determining caste membership in India?
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Birth
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Occupation
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Wealth
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Education
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Caste membership in India is traditionally determined by birth into a particular caste group.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the caste system in India?
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Endogamy
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Exogamy
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Hierarchy
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Occupational Specialization
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Endogamy, hierarchy, and occupational specialization are all characteristics of the caste system, while exogamy is not.
Which of the following is a major factor contributing to social mobility in India?
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Education
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Occupation
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Wealth
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Political Power
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Education is a key factor in enabling individuals to move up the social ladder in India.
What is the term used to describe the process of upward social mobility within the caste system?
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Sanskritization
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Westernization
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Modernization
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Secularization
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Sanskritization refers to the process by which lower castes adopt the customs and practices of higher castes in order to improve their social status.
What is the term used to describe the process of downward social mobility within the caste system?
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Desanskritization
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Westernization
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Modernization
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Secularization
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Desanskritization refers to the process by which higher castes adopt the customs and practices of lower castes, leading to a decline in their social status.
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of cultural mobility in India?
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Increased social equality
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Reduced discrimination
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Increased inter-caste marriage
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Increased social conflict
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Cultural mobility can lead to increased social equality, reduced discrimination, and increased inter-caste marriage, but it does not necessarily lead to increased social conflict.
What is the primary factor that determines an individual's caste in the traditional Indian caste system?
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Occupation
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Wealth
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Education
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Birth
D
Correct answer
Explanation
In the traditional Indian caste system, an individual's caste is primarily determined by their birth into a particular caste group.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the caste system in India?
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Endogamy
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Hierarchy
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Occupational specialization
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Social mobility
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The caste system in India is characterized by endogamy, hierarchy, and occupational specialization. Social mobility, on the other hand, is not a characteristic of the traditional caste system.
What are some of the factors that will determine the future of the caste system in India?
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The efforts of the Indian government
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The actions of civil society organizations
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The changing attitudes of the Indian people
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The future of the caste system in India will be determined by a number of factors, including the efforts of the Indian government, the actions of civil society organizations, and the changing attitudes of the Indian people.
What are the main factors that influence the distribution of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India?
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Historical factors
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Geographical factors
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Social factors
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Economic factors
Correct answer
Explanation
The distribution of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India is influenced by a combination of historical, geographical, social, and economic factors.
How has the population distribution of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes changed over time?
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It has remained relatively stable
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It has become more concentrated
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It has become more dispersed
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It has fluctuated
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The population distribution of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has become more concentrated over time, with a larger proportion of these communities living in rural areas and in areas with high levels of poverty.
What are some of the success stories of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India?
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Educational achievements
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Economic empowerment
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Political representation
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Cultural preservation
Correct answer
Explanation
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India have made significant progress in recent years, with success stories in educational achievements, economic empowerment, political representation, and cultural preservation.
What is the name of the social system that existed in the Vedic civilization?
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Caste system
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Varna system
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Jati system
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Gotra system
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Varna system is the social system that existed in the Vedic civilization and divided society into four classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
What is the primary type of housing found in rural India?
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Pucca houses
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Kutcha houses
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Semi-pucca houses
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Jhuggis
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Kutcha houses, which are constructed using traditional materials like mud, bamboo, and thatch, are the most common type of housing in rural India.