With reference to the Chola period, consider the following statements regarding the Pulaiyas: 1. They were considered "outcastes" by Brahmanas and Vellalas. 2. They lived in large stone houses in the center of the village. 3. They were often employed to work in the fields. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Chola society was characterized by a distinct caste hierarchy. The social structure placed Brahmanas and Vellalas (landowning groups) at the top, while certain communities were marginalized and treated as outcastes, living in segregated settlements. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Pulaiyas were considered "outcastes" by the dominant social groups, namely the Brahmanas and the Vellalas. They occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder and faced social exclusion. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Pulaiyas did not live in the center of the village or in large stone houses. According to literary sources like the Periyapuranam, they lived in small hamlets known as cheris located on the outskirts of the main village. Their dwellings were typically small huts covered with strips of leather or thatch, situated under old trees, reflecting their marginalized status. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Pulaiyas were an integral part of the agrarian economy, serving as agricultural laborers. They were routinely employed to work in the fields owned by the Vellalas and Brahmanas, engaging in tasks such as ploughing and harvesting. Key Takeaway: During the Chola period, the Pulaiyas were a marginalized community treated as outcastes, living in segregated settlements on village outskirts, and primarily employed as agricultural laborers.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 2: Kings and Kingdoms

mcqmedium

With reference to the Chola period, consider the following statements regarding the Pulaiyas:

They were considered "outcastes" by Brahmanas and Vellalas.
They lived in large stone houses in the center of the village.
They were often employed to work in the fields.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Chola society was characterized by a distinct caste hierarchy. The social structure placed Brahmanas and Vellalas (landowning groups) at the top, while certain communities were marginalized and treated as outcastes, living in segregated settlements.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Pulaiyas were considered "outcastes" by the dominant social groups, namely the Brahmanas and the Vellalas. They occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder and faced social exclusion.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Pulaiyas did not live in the center of the village or in large stone houses. According to literary sources like the Periyapuranam, they lived in small hamlets known as cheris located on the outskirts of the main village. Their dwellings were typically small huts covered with strips of leather or thatch, situated under old trees, reflecting their marginalized status.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Pulaiyas were an integral part of the agrarian economy, serving as agricultural laborers. They were routinely employed to work in the fields owned by the Vellalas and Brahmanas, engaging in tasks such as ploughing and harvesting.

Key Takeaway:

During the Chola period, the Pulaiyas were a marginalized community treated as outcastes, living in segregated settlements on village outskirts, and primarily employed as agricultural laborers.

Your note

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Pulaiyas were considered "outcastes" by the dominant social groups, namely the Brahmanas and the Vellalas. They occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder and faced social exclusion.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Pulaiyas did not live in the center of the village or in large stone houses. According to literary sources like the Periyapuranam, they lived in small hamlets known as cheris located on the outskirts of the main village. Their dwellings were typically small huts covered with strips of leather or thatch, situated under old trees, reflecting their marginalized status.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Pulaiyas were an integral part of the agrarian economy, serving as agricultural laborers. They were routinely employed to work in the fields owned by the Vellalas and Brahmanas, engaging in tasks such as ploughing and harvesting.

Key Takeaway:

During the Chola period, the Pulaiyas were a marginalized community treated as outcastes, living in segregated settlements on village outskirts, and primarily employed as agricultural laborers.