Social Science ยท History

Indian Social Structure

1,894 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

Which tribal community in India has a unique system of shifting cultivation known as 'jhum'?

  1. Nagas

  2. Khasi

  3. Garo

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

The Nagas, Khasi, and Garo tribes of Northeast India practice a unique form of shifting cultivation called 'jhum', which involves clearing forests, cultivating crops for a few years, and then moving to a new area.

Multiple choice

Which tribal community in India has a matrilineal social system?

  1. Khasi

  2. Garo

  3. Nagas

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

The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya follows a matrilineal social system, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's line.

Multiple choice

Which tribal community in India has a unique form of agriculture known as 'terrace farming'?

  1. Nagas

  2. Khasi

  3. Garo

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

The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya practices a unique form of agriculture called 'terrace farming', where they create terraces on steep hillsides to cultivate crops.

Multiple choice

In the novel "Annihilation of Caste" by B.R. Ambedkar, the author argues that the caste system is:

  1. A social construct

  2. A religious necessity

  3. A natural order

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

Ambedkar argues in "Annihilation of Caste" that the caste system is a social construct that has no basis in religion or divine law.

Multiple choice

What is the primary livelihood of the Andamanese people?

  1. Fishing

  2. Hunting

  3. Gathering

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

The Andamanese people traditionally relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood.

Multiple choice

What was the primary occupation of the peasants in pre-independence India?

  1. Farming

  2. Trading

  3. Manufacturing

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

Peasants were primarily involved in agricultural activities, cultivating crops and raising livestock.

Multiple choice

The 'Pow Wow' is a gathering of indigenous communities in North America, primarily organized by which tribe?

  1. Navajo

  2. Lakota

  3. Cherokee

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

The Pow Wow is a significant event for indigenous communities in North America, often organized by the Lakota tribe, where they gather for cultural exchange, dancing, music, and storytelling.

Multiple choice

What is the role of women in an Indian family?

  1. They are primarily responsible for household chores and childcare

  2. They have equal rights and opportunities as men

  3. They are not allowed to work outside the home

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In traditional Indian families, women are primarily responsible for household chores and childcare, while men are responsible for earning a living.

Multiple choice

What is the role of men in an Indian family?

  1. They are the head of the family and make all the decisions

  2. They are responsible for earning a living

  3. They are not allowed to participate in household chores

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In traditional Indian families, men are responsible for earning a living and providing for the family, while women are responsible for household chores and childcare.

Multiple choice

What are some of the positive aspects of the Indian family structure?

  1. It provides a strong sense of community and belonging

  2. It offers support and guidance to its members

  3. It promotes respect for elders and traditional values

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

The Indian family structure has a number of positive aspects, including a strong sense of community and belonging, support and guidance for its members, and respect for elders and traditional values.

Multiple choice

How is the Indian family structure changing?

  1. It is becoming more nuclear

  2. It is becoming more diverse

  3. It is becoming more egalitarian

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

The Indian family structure is changing in a number of ways, including becoming more nuclear, more diverse, and more egalitarian.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a unique feature of the tribal communities in India?

  1. Matrilineal societies

  2. Polyandry

  3. Animism

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

Tribal communities in India often have unique social structures, such as matrilineal societies where descent is traced through the mother's line, polyandry where a woman may have multiple husbands, and animism, the belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and phenomena.

Multiple choice

What is the primary basis for the caste system in India?

  1. Birth

  2. Occupation

  3. Wealth

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

The caste system is primarily based on birth, with individuals inheriting their caste from their parents.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a traditional caste group in India?

  1. Brahmins

  2. Kshatriyas

  3. Vaishyas

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

The Shudras are not a traditional caste group in India, but rather a term used to refer to those outside the caste system.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the rigid social hierarchy of the caste system?

  1. Varna

  2. Jati

  3. Gotra

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

Varna refers to the rigid social hierarchy of the caste system, with four main categories: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.