Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system: 1. Brahmins were expected to study and teach the Vedas. 2. Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people. 3. Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (d). Explanation The Varna system was a social stratification mechanism that crystallized during the Later Vedic period. Society was divided into four distinct groups, each assigned specific duties (Dharma) based on their function within the social and ritual hierarchy, as codified in texts like the Dharmashastras. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Brahmins were placed at the top of the hierarchy. Their primary duties included studying and teaching the Vedas, performing sacrifices and rituals for themselves and others, and receiving gifts (dana). - Statement 2 is Correct: Kshatriyas constituted the warrior and ruling class. They were expected to fight battles, protect the populace from external and internal threats, and administer justice. - Statement 3 is Correct: Shudras were placed at the bottom of the four-fold hierarchy. Their designated duty was to serve the other three varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas). Unlike the first three groups, they were generally denied the right to study the Vedas or perform Vedic sacrifices. Key Takeaway: The Later Vedic social order was rigidly defined by the Varna system, which assigned specific occupational and ritual roles: Brahmins (priests/teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors/rulers), Vaishyas (traders/agriculturists), and Shudras (service providers).

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system:

Brahmins were expected to study and teach the Vedas.
Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people.
Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

The Varna system was a social stratification mechanism that crystallized during the Later Vedic period. Society was divided into four distinct groups, each assigned specific duties (Dharma) based on their function within the social and ritual hierarchy, as codified in texts like the Dharmashastras.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Brahmins were placed at the top of the hierarchy. Their primary duties included studying and teaching the Vedas, performing sacrifices and rituals for themselves and others, and receiving gifts (dana).
Statement 2 is Correct: Kshatriyas constituted the warrior and ruling class. They were expected to fight battles, protect the populace from external and internal threats, and administer justice.
Statement 3 is Correct: Shudras were placed at the bottom of the four-fold hierarchy. Their designated duty was to serve the other three varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas). Unlike the first three groups, they were generally denied the right to study the Vedas or perform Vedic sacrifices.

Key Takeaway:

The Later Vedic social order was rigidly defined by the Varna system, which assigned specific occupational and ritual roles: Brahmins (priests/teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors/rulers), Vaishyas (traders/agriculturists), and Shudras (service providers).

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

With reference to the political changes around 3000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent, consider the following statements regarding the Ashvamedha sacrifice: 1. The horse let loose was guarded by the raja’s men and allowed to wander freely. 2. If a rival king allowed the horse to pass, it signified his challenge to the authority of the raja performing the sacrifice. 3. Ordinary people, known as the vish or vaishya, were strictly prohibited from bringing gifts to the sacrifice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system described by the priests in the Later Vedic books: 1. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were both eligible to perform sacrifices. 2. The Shudras were the only group explicitly excluded from studying the Vedas. 3. The classification of Varnas was strictly based on the occupation chosen by an individual in adulthood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system in the Mahajanapadas: 1. The tax on crops was the most important source of revenue and was fixed at one-sixth of the produce. 2. Herders were exempted from taxation as they did not own land. 3. Hunters and gatherers provided forest produce as a form of tax to the raja. 4. Craftspersons paid taxes in the form of labor, such as working for the king for a day every month. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the agricultural changes around 2500 years ago, consider the following statements: 1. The use of iron ploughshares allowed heavy, clayey soil to be turned over better than wooden ploughshares. 2. The technique of transplanting paddy was introduced to increase production. 3. The agricultural labor for these new methods was primarily provided by the Kshatriya landowners themselves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The term ‘Bhaga’ in the context of the Mahajanapadas refers to:

easy

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The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Brahmins were placed at the top of the hierarchy. Their primary duties included studying and teaching the Vedas, performing sacrifices and rituals for themselves and others, and receiving gifts (dana).
Statement 2 is Correct: Kshatriyas constituted the warrior and ruling class. They were expected to fight battles, protect the populace from external and internal threats, and administer justice.
Statement 3 is Correct: Shudras were placed at the bottom of the four-fold hierarchy. Their designated duty was to serve the other three varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas). Unlike the first three groups, they were generally denied the right to study the Vedas or perform Vedic sacrifices.

Key Takeaway: