NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

mcqeasy

Which of the following ancient texts was compiled between c. 200 BCE and 200 CE and is considered the most important work on social norms?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AManusmriti
BCharaka Samhita
CNatyashastra
DRigveda

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Solution

The correct option is Manusmriti.

Explanation

The period between c. 200 BCE and 200 CE (Post-Mauryan period) witnessed the codification of oral traditions into written texts. This era saw the compilation of major Dharmashastras (law codes), epics, and scientific treatises, marking a shift towards rigid social stratification and defined norms.

Detailed Analysis:

Rigveda Rigveda: Incorrect. The Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas, composed roughly between c. 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE during the Early Vedic period, long before the timeframe specified in the question.
Manusmriti Manusmriti: Correct. The Manusmriti (or Manava Dharmashastra) was compiled between c. 200 BCE and 200 CE. It is considered the most authoritative and influential legal text (Dharmashastra) of ancient India, prescribing detailed rules regarding the Varna system, social duties, gender roles, and statecraft.
Natyashastra Natyashastra: Incorrect. While the Natyashastra (attributed to Bharata Muni) was also compiled during this approximate period, it is a treatise on dramaturgy, music, dance, and aesthetics, not primarily on social norms.
Charaka Samhita Charaka Samhita: Incorrect. The Charaka Samhita is a foundational text of Ayurveda (medicine) compiled during this period (associated with the Kushana era), focusing on health and therapeutics rather than social laws.

Key Takeaway:
The Manusmriti is the premier Dharmashastra compiled in the post-Mauryan age, serving as the foundational code for Brahmanical social laws and caste regulations.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the story of Ekalavya and Drona, consider the following statements: 1. Drona refused to teach Ekalavya because he did not belong to the Kuru lineage. 2. Ekalavya offered his right thumb as a fee to Drona. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In ancient Sanskrit texts, the term ‘mlechchha’ was commonly used to refer to which of the following groups?

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In the epic Mahabharata, Ekalavya is described as belonging to which of the following social categories?

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According to the prescriptions of the Manusmriti, women were warned against hoarding family property or personal valuables without the permission of whom?

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Who among the following excavated the village of Hastinapura in Meerut in 1951-52?

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The correct option is Manusmriti.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Rigveda Rigveda: Incorrect. The Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas, composed roughly between c. 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE during the Early Vedic period, long before the timeframe specified in the question.
Manusmriti Manusmriti: Correct. The Manusmriti (or Manava Dharmashastra) was compiled between c. 200 BCE and 200 CE. It is considered the most authoritative and influential legal text (Dharmashastra) of ancient India, prescribing detailed rules regarding the Varna system, social duties, gender roles, and statecraft.
Natyashastra Natyashastra: Incorrect. While the Natyashastra (attributed to Bharata Muni) was also compiled during this approximate period, it is a treatise on dramaturgy, music, dance, and aesthetics, not primarily on social norms.
Charaka Samhita Charaka Samhita: Incorrect. The Charaka Samhita is a foundational text of Ayurveda (medicine) compiled during this period (associated with the Kushana era), focusing on health and therapeutics rather than social laws.

Key Takeaway:
The Manusmriti is the premier Dharmashastra compiled in the post-Mauryan age, serving as the foundational code for Brahmanical social laws and caste regulations.