CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Caste System and Social Differences -

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CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Caste System and Social Differences

⏱️ 30 Minutes

❓ 20 Questions

📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Caste System and Social Differences

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QUESTION 1 OF 20

How did the Brahmanical texts justify the hierarchical order of society?

Answer Review

1 How did the Brahmanical texts justify the hierarchical order of society?

A By organizing democratic elections.

B By redistributing wealth equally.

C By asserting that the varna order was of divine origin.

D By encouraging occupational mobility.

💡 Short Explanation

Purusha Sukta explains divine origin of varnas. Brahmanical texts linked hierarchy to cosmic order. Social ranking was presented as sacred.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Brahmanical texts justified social hierarchy through the concept of divine creation. The Purusha Sukta describes the four varnas emerging from different parts of the cosmic being (Purusha). This gave religious legitimacy to social divisions. Options A and B are unrelated to Brahmanical theory, while D contradicts the hereditary nature of varna.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Democratic elections were not used to justify social hierarchy in ancient Brahmanical traditions.
Option B → Equal redistribution of wealth was never the basis of the varna system.
Option D → Occupational mobility was generally restricted rather than encouraged in Brahmanical ideology.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Remove options unrelated to religious justification and focus on the ideological basis of varna.

Final Logic:

The only option reflecting NCERT's explanation of varna hierarchy is divine origin.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Purusha Created Varna" = Divine Hierarchy

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Bricks, Beads and Bones / Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Varna Ideology

2 Assertion (A): The Buddhists rejected the idea of claims to status on the basis of birth.
Reason (R): Buddhism strictly followed the Brahmanical varna order.

A A is true but R is false.

B Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

C Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

D A is false but R is true.

💡 Short Explanation

Buddhists opposed birth-based status. Merit and conduct were emphasized. They did not strictly follow varna ideology.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Buddhist teachings challenged the idea that social status should depend on birth. Texts such as the Majjhima Nikaya stress ethical conduct over lineage. Therefore Assertion is true. The Reason is false because Buddhism questioned many Brahmanical assumptions, including rigid birth-based hierarchy. Hence A is the correct option.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → The Reason is false; therefore both statements cannot be true.
Option C → Since the Reason itself is incorrect, this option is invalid.
Option D → Assertion is clearly true according to Buddhist teachings.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Identify Buddhism's broader challenge to hereditary social distinctions.

Final Logic:

Buddhism rejected birth-based superiority; therefore the Reason contradicts Buddhist principles.

🧠 Memory Trick

Buddha = Merit, Not Birth

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Buddhist Critique of Varna

3 According to the Purusha sukta, the Vaishya emanated from the ______ of Purusha.

A Mouth

B Thighs

C Feet

D Arms

💡 Short Explanation

Purusha Sukta explains origin of varnas. Vaishyas emerged from thighs. Symbolizes productive economic functions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Purusha Sukta states that Brahmanas came from the mouth, Kshatriyas from the arms, Vaishyas from the thighs, and Shudras from the feet of Purusha. Thus B is correct. Options A, C, and D correspond to other varnas and therefore do not match Vaishyas.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Mouth represents Brahmanas.
Option C → Feet represent Shudras.
Option D → Arms represent Kshatriyas.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Memory Recall

Application:

Recall the sequence of varna creation in Purusha Sukta.

Final Logic:

Vaishyas are associated with the thighs of Purusha.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Vaishya = Vast Thighs"

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Purusha Sukta

4 Which of these statements incorrectly applies to Buddhist ideas of social difference?

A They recognised that there were differences in society.

B They rejected the idea of claims to status on the basis of birth.

C The Majjhima Nikaya illustrates Buddhist attitudes towards varna.

D They considered social differences as natural and inflexible.

💡 Short Explanation

Buddhists accepted social diversity. Birth-based superiority was challenged. Social status was not viewed as fixed.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Buddhist teachings acknowledged social differences but did not consider them divinely fixed or permanently determined by birth. The Majjhima Nikaya demonstrates this perspective. Hence D is incorrect and becomes the correct answer. Options A, B, and C accurately describe Buddhist attitudes toward social distinctions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Buddhists recognized social diversity.
Option B → Birth-based status was questioned.
Option C → The Majjhima Nikaya is an important source illustrating these views.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Extreme Word Filter

Application:

Words like "natural and inflexible" often signal overstatements.

Final Logic:

Buddhist thought did not support rigid, immutable social hierarchy.

🧠 Memory Trick

Buddha Broke Birth Barriers

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Buddhist Views on Social Difference

5 According to the Dharmashastras, which of the following was NOT a duty of the Brahmanas?

A Studying the Vedas

B Engaging in pastoralism

C Getting sacrifices performed

D Giving and receiving gifts

💡 Short Explanation

Brahmanas were linked to ritual duties. Vedic learning was central. Pastoralism belonged mainly to Vaishyas.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Dharmashastras assigned Brahmanas duties such as studying and teaching the Vedas, performing and receiving sacrifices, and giving and receiving gifts. Pastoralism, agriculture, and trade were primarily associated with Vaishyas. Therefore B is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Studying the Vedas was a primary Brahmanical duty.
Option C → Participation in sacrificial rituals was central to Brahmanas.
Option D → Giving and receiving gifts were recognized duties.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Three options relate directly to ritual and Vedic responsibilities.

Final Logic:

Pastoralism stands apart from the ritual duties of Brahmanas.

🧠 Memory Trick

Brahmana = Books & Rituals, Not Cattle

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Duties of Varnas

6 Match the following roles to the varnas based on Dharmashastras:

List I	List II
1. Make gifts	a. Vaishya
2. Serve higher varnas	b. Brahmana
3. Trade	c. Kshatriya
4. Receive gifts	d. Shudra

A 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c

B 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d

C 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

D 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a

💡 Short Explanation

Kshatriyas made gifts. Shudras served higher varnas. Vaishyas traded; Brahmanas received gifts.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Dharmashastric duties assigned gift-giving to Kshatriyas, service to Shudras, trade to Vaishyas, and receiving gifts to Brahmanas. Thus, the correct matching is 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b. Other options incorrectly interchange the prescribed responsibilities.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Incorrectly links service and trade duties.
Option B → Misplaces Brahmana and Vaishya functions.
Option D → Assigns duties opposite to Dharmashastric prescriptions.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Recall the standard duty chart of the four varnas.

Final Logic:

Only option C matches all four prescribed roles correctly.

🧠 Memory Trick

K-Give, S-Serve, V-Trade, B-Receive

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Varna Duties

7 Assertion (A): Vaishyas were assigned activities such as agriculture, pastoralism, and trade.
Reason (R): The Dharmasutras believed that economic resources should be exclusively controlled by Shudras.

A Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C A is false but R is true.

D A is true but R is false.

💡 Short Explanation

Vaishyas handled productive activities. Shudras were not exclusive controllers of wealth. Reason contradicts Dharmashastric norms.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Vaishyas were assigned agriculture, cattle rearing, and trade according to Dharmashastric prescriptions. Hence Assertion is true. The Reason is false because Dharmasutras did not advocate exclusive Shudra control over economic resources. Therefore D correctly represents the relationship between Assertion and Reason.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Reason is factually incorrect.
Option B → Both statements are not true.
Option C → Assertion is clearly supported by NCERT.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Verify each statement independently before evaluating the relationship.

Final Logic:

Assertion is correct, but Reason contradicts textual prescriptions.

🧠 Memory Trick

Vaishya = Farm + Trade

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Economic Roles of Varnas

8 Regarding the wealthy Shudra story in the Majjhima Nikaya, identify the incorrect statement.

A Avantiputta was a poor Shudra labourer.

B The dialogue is between a king and a disciple of the Buddha.

C Kachchana was a disciple of the Buddha.

D It suggests a wealthy Shudra could have a Kshatriya servant.

💡 Short Explanation

Avantiputta was a king. Dialogue challenged birth-based hierarchy. Social mobility is highlighted.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Majjhima Nikaya records a dialogue between King Avantiputta and Kachchana, a disciple of the Buddha. The discussion suggests that wealth and power could transcend rigid social expectations. Therefore A is incorrect because Avantiputta was not a poor Shudra labourer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Correctly describes the participants in the dialogue.
Option C → Kachchana was indeed a disciple of the Buddha.
Option D → The story questions rigid social assumptions and supports this possibility.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Odd One Out

Application:

Identify the statement inconsistent with the historical narrative.

Final Logic:

Only Option A misidentifies Avantiputta.

🧠 Memory Trick

Avantiputta = King, Not Labourer

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Buddhist Critique of Social Hierarchy

9 Arrange the creation of varnas from the Primeval Man's body (from Top to Bottom):
1. Thighs
2. Arms
3. Mouth
4. Feet

A 1, 2, 3, 4

B 3, 1, 2, 4

C 2, 3, 4, 1

D 3, 2, 1, 4

💡 Short Explanation

Mouth → Brahmana. Arms → Kshatriya. Thighs → Vaishya; Feet → Shudra.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Purusha Sukta describes the order from top to bottom as Mouth, Arms, Thighs, and Feet. These correspond respectively to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Therefore the correct sequence is 3, 2, 1, 4.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Does not follow top-to-bottom order.
Option B → Places thighs before arms.
Option C → Begins with arms rather than mouth.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Recall the body-part hierarchy and remove mismatched sequences.

Final Logic:

Only option D reflects the correct anatomical order.

🧠 Memory Trick

M-A-T-F = Mouth, Arms, Thighs, Feet

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Purusha Sukta

10 The Brahmanas evolved strategies to enforce varna norms, one of which was to persuade people that their status was determined by ____.

A Wealth

B Skill

C Birth

D Royal decree

💡 Short Explanation

Varna became hereditary. Birth determined social status. This strengthened social hierarchy.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Brahmanical authorities emphasized that social status was determined by birth. This idea reinforced hereditary hierarchy and helped preserve the varna order. Wealth, skill, or royal orders were not considered the primary determinants of status within Brahmanical ideology.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Wealth could vary and was not the formal basis of varna.
Option B → Skill did not determine hereditary status.
Option D → Kings could support order but did not define varna origin.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Identify the principle consistently emphasized in Brahmanical texts.

Final Logic:

Birth was the key basis used to justify social rank.

🧠 Memory Trick

Varna = By Birth

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Enforcement of Varna Norms

📄 Passage

"The social background of the Mauryas, who ruled over a large empire, has been hotly debated. While later Buddhist texts suggested they were Kshatriyas, Brahmanical texts described them as being of 'low' origin. The Shungas and Kanvas, the immediate successors of the Mauryas, were Brahmanas. Other rulers, such as the Shakas who came from Central Asia, were regarded as mlechchhas, barbarians or outsiders by the Brahmanas. However, Rudradaman, the best-known Shaka ruler, rebuilt Sudarshana lake."

How do Brahmanical texts describe the origin of the Mauryas?

A As being of "low" origin.

B As high-ranking Brahmanas.

C As pure Kshatriyas.

D As divine kings.

💡 Short Explanation

Mauryan origin was debated. Buddhist and Brahmanical views differed. Brahmanical texts termed them low-born.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT notes that the social origin of the Mauryas was controversial. While later Buddhist traditions portrayed them as Kshatriyas, Brahmanical texts described them as being of "low" origin. Therefore Option A is correct. Options B, C, and D do not reflect the description found in Brahmanical sources.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Brahmanical texts did not identify the Mauryas as Brahmanas.
Option C → This reflects the view of some later Buddhist traditions, not Brahmanical texts.
Option D → No source mentioned in the passage describes them as divine kings.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Directly match the wording used in the passage with the options.

Final Logic:

The passage explicitly states that Brahmanical texts described the Mauryas as being of "low" origin.

🧠 Memory Trick

Mauryas + Brahmanical View = "Low Origin"

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Non-Kshatriya Kings

📄 Passage

According to the passage, how did Brahmanas view the Shakas who came from Central Asia?

A As pure Kshatriyas.

B As mlechchhas, barbarians or outsiders.

C As low-origin Mauryas.

D As descendants of the Shungas.

💡 Short Explanation

Shakas came from Central Asia. Brahmanical texts viewed them as outsiders. They were classified as mlechchhas.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage clearly states that Brahmanas regarded the Shakas as mlechchhas, meaning barbarians or outsiders. This classification reflected cultural and linguistic differences from orthodox Brahmanical society. Therefore Option B is correct. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the passage.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → The Shakas were not considered pure Kshatriyas by Brahmanical authorities.
Option C → This description was associated with Mauryas, not Shakas.
Option D → No historical connection with Shunga descent is mentioned.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Look for the exact phrase used in the passage.

Final Logic:

The passage directly identifies Shakas as mlechchhas, barbarians, or outsiders.

🧠 Memory Trick

Shaka = Mlechchha

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Mlechchhas and Outsiders

13 Match the concepts to their characteristics:

List I	List II
1. Varna	a. Marriage outside the unit
2. Jati	b. Fixed at four
3. Exogamy	c. Marriage within the kin group
4. Endogamy	d. No restriction on number

A 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c

B 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

C 1-a, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c

D 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c

💡 Short Explanation

Varna had four categories. Jatis were numerous. Exogamy and endogamy governed marriage rules.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Varna refers to the fourfold social classification, whereas jatis could be numerous and varied. Exogamy means marrying outside a group, while endogamy means marrying within one's group. Therefore the correct matching is 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c, making Option D correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Incorrectly links jati with exogamy.
Option B → Reverses meanings of varna and marriage rules.
Option C → Misidentifies both varna and exogamy.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Recall definitions of varna, jati, exogamy, and endogamy.

Final Logic:

Only Option D correctly matches all four concepts.

🧠 Memory Trick

Exo = Exit; Endo = Inside

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Varna, Jati and Marriage Rules

14 Why did Brahmanical authorities classify new groups like the suvarnakara as jatis?

A Because they did not easily fit into the fourfold varna system.

B Because they wanted to abolish the varna system.

C Because they belonged to the Mlechchha category.

D Because they were divine beings.

💡 Short Explanation

Society became increasingly diverse. Many groups did not fit varna categories. Jati classification accommodated them.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

As occupations and communities multiplied, many groups could not be neatly placed within the four varnas. Brahmanical authorities therefore classified such groups as jatis. This helped explain social diversity while preserving the broader varna framework. Hence Option A is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Brahmanical authorities sought to preserve, not abolish, the varna system.
Option C → Not all new groups were categorized as mlechchhas.
Option D → Jatis were social groups, not divine beings.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Identify the option consistent with the expansion of social classifications.

Final Logic:

Jatis emerged to accommodate groups beyond the four-varna framework.

🧠 Memory Trick

New Group → New Jati

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Emergence of Jatis

15 Assertion (A): Membership in a shreni was based on a shared craft specialisation.
Reason (R): The Mandasor inscription indicates some members adopted other occupations such as astronomy or warfare.

A A is true but R is false.

B Both A and R are false.

C Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

D Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

💡 Short Explanation

Shrenis were guilds. Membership depended on craft. Some members later pursued other occupations.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Guilds (shrenis) were associations based on common occupational specialization. The Mandasor inscription indeed records that some guild members later adopted occupations such as warfare or astronomy. However, this information does not explain why membership was based on craft specialization. Therefore both statements are true, but the Reason is not the explanation.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → The Reason is historically correct.
Option B → Both statements are supported by the inscription.
Option D → The Reason does not explain the Assertion.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Check truthfulness separately and then test explanatory relationship.

Final Logic:

Both statements are true, but they address different aspects of guild life.

🧠 Memory Trick

Shreni = Shared Skill

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Guilds and Occupational Mobility

16 Identify the incorrect statement about the Mandasor inscription.

A It dates back to c. fifth century CE.

B It records the history of a guild of goldsmiths.

C The guild originally lived in Lata.

D They collectively invested their wealth to construct a temple for the sun god.

💡 Short Explanation

Mandasor inscription concerns silk weavers. It belongs to the fifth century CE. The guild built a Sun temple.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Mandasor inscription records the activities of a guild of silk weavers, not goldsmiths. It dates to about the fifth century CE, notes migration from Lata, and records collective investment for the construction of a Sun temple. Hence Option B is the incorrect statement.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Correctly states the approximate date.
Option C → The guild is said to have migrated from Lata.
Option D → The inscription records collective support for a Sun temple.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Odd One Out

Application:

Identify the statement inconsistent with NCERT's discussion of the inscription.

Final Logic:

The guild consisted of silk weavers, not goldsmiths.

🧠 Memory Trick

Mandasor = Silk, Not Gold

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Mandasor Silk Weavers Guild

17 Populations such as the ____, for whom hunting and gathering remained an important means of subsistence, were often described as odd or uncivilised in Sanskrit texts.

A Nishadas

B Vaishyas

C Shakas

D Brahmanas

💡 Short Explanation

Nishadas lived outside settled society. Hunting and gathering remained important. Sanskrit texts portrayed them as uncivilised.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT notes that communities such as the Nishadas relied significantly on hunting and gathering. Because they differed from agrarian and Brahmanical norms, Sanskrit texts often described them as odd or uncivilised. Therefore Option A is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Vaishyas were associated with agriculture and trade.
Option C → Shakas were Central Asian groups categorized differently.
Option D → Brahmanas occupied the highest ritual status.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Remove groups known for other economic or social roles.

Final Logic:

Only Nishadas match the hunting-gathering description.

🧠 Memory Trick

Nishada = Forest Life

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Marginal Communities

18 Which of the following best describes the term 'mlechchha'?

A A highly respected Vedic scholar.

B A guild of merchants.

C A tax collected by the king.

D Outsiders who spoke non-Sanskritic languages.

💡 Short Explanation

Mlechchha referred to outsiders. Often associated with non-Sanskritic speech. Used by Brahmanical writers.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The term mlechchha was used in Brahmanical literature for outsiders whose language, customs, or cultural practices differed from accepted Sanskritic norms. It commonly referred to people speaking non-Sanskritic languages. Therefore Option D is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Refers to respected scholars, not outsiders.
Option B → Mlechchha was not an occupational guild.
Option C → It was not a form of taxation.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Odd One Out

Application:

Identify the definition matching cultural and linguistic exclusion.

Final Logic:

Mlechchha primarily denoted outsiders beyond Sanskritic society.

🧠 Memory Trick

Mlechchha = Non-Sanskritic Outsider

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Mlechchhas

19 Assertion (A): Ekalavya cut off his right thumb and offered it to Drona.
Reason (R): Drona wanted to ensure that no one was better in archery than his favourite student Arjuna.

A A is true but R is false.

B Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

C A is false but R is true.

D Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

💡 Short Explanation

Ekalavya excelled in archery. Drona favoured Arjuna. Thumb sacrifice protected Arjuna's supremacy.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the Mahabharata narrative, Ekalavya trained himself in archery and became highly skilled. Drona, wishing to preserve Arjuna's position as the greatest archer, demanded Ekalavya's right thumb as guru dakshina. Ekalavya complied, making both statements true and causally connected.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → The Reason is historically linked to the incident.
Option C → Assertion is a well-known part of the story.
Option D → The Reason directly explains the event.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Evaluate both statements and verify the cause-effect relationship.

Final Logic:

Drona's preference for Arjuna explains Ekalavya's sacrifice.

🧠 Memory Trick

Arjuna First → Thumb Lost

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Ekalavya Narrative

20 Match the characters to their actions/identities:

List I	List II
1. Drona	a. Favourite student
2. Ekalavya	b. Rakshasa woman
3. Arjuna	c. Forest-dwelling archer
4. Hidimba	d. Brahmana teacher

A 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a

C 1-d, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b

D 1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c

💡 Short Explanation

Drona was the teacher. Ekalavya was the forest archer. Arjuna was Drona's favourite student.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Drona was a Brahmana teacher of martial arts. Ekalavya was the forest-dwelling archer who trained independently. Arjuna was Drona's favourite student, and Hidimba was a Rakshasa woman. Therefore the correct matching is 1-d, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b, making Option C correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → All major character identities are mismatched.
Option B → Incorrectly reverses roles of Drona and Ekalavya.
Option D → Assigns wrong identities to nearly every character.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Recall each character's role from the Mahabharata narrative.

Final Logic:

Only Option C correctly matches all four identities.

🧠 Memory Trick

Drona-Teacher, Ekalavya-Forest, Arjuna-Favourite, Hidimba-Rakshasi

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part I – Chapter: Kinship, Caste and Class – Topic: Mahabharata Stories and Social Ideals

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Caste System and Social Differences

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