CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Marriage Rules and Gotra System -

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CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Marriage Rules and Gotra System

⏱️ 30 Minutes

❓ 20 Questions

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

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Marriage Rules and Gotra System

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QUESTION 1 OF 20

Match the following terms with their definitions as applied in early societies:

List I	List II
1. Kanyadana	a. Marriage within a kin group
2. Exogamy	b. Gift of a daughter in marriage
3. Endogamy	c. Marrying outside the unit
4. Polygyny	d. Having several wives

Answer Review

1 Match the following terms with their definitions as applied in early societies:

List I	List II
1. Kanyadana	a. Marriage within a kin group
2. Exogamy	b. Gift of a daughter in marriage
3. Endogamy	c. Marrying outside the unit
4. Polygyny	d. Having several wives

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

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

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

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

💡 Short Explanation

�� Kanyadana means gift of a daughter. �� Exogamy means marriage outside the group. �� Endogamy and polygyny have distinct meanings.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Kanyadana refers to gifting a daughter in marriage. Exogamy means marrying outside a kin group, while endogamy means marrying within the group. Polygyny refers to a man having multiple wives. Option D correctly matches all terms. The remaining options incorrectly interchange the meanings of these important social concepts.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Incorrectly matches Kanyadana and Exogamy.
�� Option B → Endogamy and Polygyny are wrongly paired.
�� Option C → All major terms are incorrectly matched with unrelated meanings.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Match each social term individually with its standard definition.

Final Logic:

Only Option D correctly pairs all four concepts.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Kanya-Gift, Exo-Outside, Endo-Inside, Poly-Many Wives."

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

2 If a family in the c. 600 BCE period claimed high status, how would they likely handle the marriage of their daughters?

A They would carefully regulate their lives to marry them at the right time and to the right person.

B They would encourage them to choose their own partners freely.

C They would deny them marriage entirely.

D They would exclusively marry them to forest dwellers.

💡 Short Explanation

�� High-status families valued controlled marriages. �� Marriage alliances protected status and lineage. �� Brahmanical norms regulated women's lives.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Brahmanical traditions emphasized carefully arranging marriages for daughters from elite families. Families sought suitable alliances, proper timing, and socially acceptable partners to preserve status and lineage purity. Option A reflects this norm. Options B, C, and D contradict the prescribed social expectations of the period.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option B → Free partner selection was generally not encouraged.
�� Option C → Marriage was considered an important social duty.
�� Option D → No such exclusive marriage rule existed.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Identify the option that aligns with Brahmanical social norms.

Final Logic:

Elite families carefully regulated marriage arrangements.

🧠 Memory Trick

"High Status = Right Time, Right Match."

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

3 How did the urban milieu of new towns most likely affect traditional Brahmanical norms?

A It reinforced them without question.

B It led to a questioning of earlier beliefs and practices.

C It isolated town dwellers from trade networks.

D It led to the immediate writing of the Mahabharata.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Towns brought diverse groups together. �� New ideas circulated through interaction. �� Traditional norms faced challenges and debate.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Urbanization encouraged interaction among people from different backgrounds. New social and economic relationships led many to question established customs and beliefs. Option B best captures this historical development. Options A, C, and D are unsupported and fail to reflect the impact of growing urban centres.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → New towns encouraged debate, not unquestioning acceptance.
�� Option C → Urban centres expanded trade networks.
�� Option D → Urbanization did not directly cause the Mahabharata's composition.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Reject options that contradict known effects of urbanization.

Final Logic:

Urban interaction encouraged questioning of older practices.

🧠 Memory Trick

"New Towns = New Ideas."

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

4 Faced with the challenge of a more complex urban society, what was the primary response of the Brahmanas?

A They abandoned the varna system entirely.

B They migrated to southern India to avoid cities.

C They laid down detailed codes of social behaviour in Dharmasutras.

D They stopped all trade and mercantile activities.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Social complexity required regulation. �� Dharmasutras prescribed ideal conduct. �� Brahmanas codified social norms.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

As society became increasingly complex, Brahmanas responded by composing Dharmasutras and later Dharmashastras. These texts prescribed ideal social behaviour and duties. Option C correctly reflects this response. Options A, B, and D have no support in historical sources or NCERT discussions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Brahmanas reinforced rather than abandoned varna ideals.
�� Option B → No such migration is linked to this response.
�� Option D → Trade activities continued to expand.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Relate the challenge of social complexity to the historical response.

Final Logic:

Dharmasutras were composed to regulate social behaviour.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Complex Society → Dharmasutras."

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

5 Arrange the following events regarding the codification of norms in their correct chronological sequence:
1. Compilation of the Manusmriti.
2. Composition of the Rigveda.
3. Beginning of the compilation of Dharmasutras.

A 2, 3, 1

B 1, 3, 2

C 3, 2, 1

D 2, 1, 3

💡 Short Explanation

�� Rigveda is the earliest text. �� Dharmasutras were compiled later. �� Manusmriti belongs to a subsequent phase.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Rigveda predates both the Dharmasutras and Manusmriti. Dharmasutras were compiled after the Vedic period, followed later by the Manusmriti. Thus the correct chronological sequence is 2, 3, 1. The other options reverse established historical chronology.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option B → Places the latest text first.
�� Option C → Incorrectly places Dharmasutras before the Rigveda.
�� Option D → Manusmriti came after the Dharmasutras.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Use historical chronology of major texts.

Final Logic:

Rigveda → Dharmasutras → Manusmriti.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Rig → Dharma → Manu."

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

6 Why is it likely that the real social relations in early India were more complicated than what the Dharmashastras prescribed?

A No one could read or write Sanskrit during this era.

B Brahmanas had absolutely no interest in enforcing the rules.

C The subcontinent's regional diversity and communication difficulties meant Brahmanical influence was not all-pervasive.

D The texts were permanently lost shortly after being written.

💡 Short Explanation

�� India had enormous regional diversity. �� Brahmanical influence varied across regions. �� Practice often differed from prescriptions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Historical evidence suggests that social realities often differed from Brahmanical ideals. Regional diversity, local customs, and communication barriers limited the reach of prescribed norms. Therefore Option C is correct. Options A, B, and D are factually incorrect and do not explain the gap between prescription and practice.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Sanskrit literacy existed among learned groups.
�� Option B → Brahmanas actively promoted social norms.
�� Option D → These texts survived and continue to be studied.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Identify the explanation that accounts for regional variation.

Final Logic:

Diverse societies rarely follow a single prescribed model uniformly.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Diversity Defied Uniformity."

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

7 Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the forms of marriage recognised by the Dharmashastras?

A Eight forms of marriage were recognised in total.

B All eight forms of marriage were universally praised by the Brahmanas.

C The first four forms were considered "good".

D The condemned forms were likely practised by those who rejected Brahmanical norms.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Eight forms were recognized. �� Only four were approved. �� Four others were criticized or condemned.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Dharmashastras recognized eight forms of marriage but approved only the first four. The remaining forms were considered undesirable, though they existed in society. Therefore Option B is incorrect. Options A, C, and D accurately reflect the distinction between approved and condemned forms.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Correctly states the total number.
�� Option C → Correctly identifies the approved forms.
�� Option D → Reflects NCERT's explanation of non-Brahmanical practices.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Extreme Word Filter

Application:

Look for absolute words such as "all" and "universally."

Final Logic:

Not all eight forms were praised; only four were approved.

🧠 Memory Trick

"8 Recognized, 4 Approved."

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

8 What can be inferred about the people who practised the four condemned forms of marriage?

A They were strictly following the Manusmriti.

B They were exclusively Kshatriya kings.

C They were highly praised by Brahmana priests.

D They likely did not accept Brahmanical norms.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Condemned forms still existed. �� Social groups followed different customs. �� Not all communities accepted Brahmanical ideals.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The continued existence of condemned marriage forms indicates that many communities followed customs differing from Brahmanical prescriptions. Option D best reflects this historical reality. Options A, B, and C contradict the fact that these forms were criticized rather than approved by Brahmanical authorities.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Condemned forms did not strictly follow Brahmanical ideals.
�� Option B → They were not limited to Kshatriyas.
�� Option C → These marriages were criticized, not praised.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Remove options inconsistent with the meaning of "condemned."

Final Logic:

Condemned practices imply deviation from Brahmanical norms.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Condemned = Non-Brahmanical."

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

9 If two individuals belonged to the same gotra, what did the Brahmanical rules imply about their relationship?

A They were regarded as descendants of the same Vedic seer.

B They were considered political enemies.

C They were explicitly allowed to marry each other.

D They belonged to completely different varnas.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Gotras were linked to Vedic seers. �� Members shared common ancestry. �� Marriage within the same gotra was discouraged.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to Brahmanical traditions, each gotra traced descent from a particular Vedic seer. Individuals belonging to the same gotra were considered descendants of that seer. Hence Option A is correct. Options B, C, and D have no connection with the concept of gotra.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option B → Gotra did not imply political rivalry.
�� Option C → Same-gotra marriage was generally prohibited.
�� Option D → Gotra and varna are different concepts.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Recall the origin and purpose of the gotra system.

Final Logic:

Same gotra implied descent from the same Vedic ancestor.

🧠 Memory Trick

"One Gotra = One Seer."

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

10 Assertion (A): Gotras were named after Vedic seers, and members of the same gotra were considered descendants of that seer.
Reason (R): The primary purpose of the gotra system was to ensure marriages occurred only within the same gotra.

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 true, but R is false.

D A is false, but R is true.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Gotras traced descent from Vedic seers. �� Same-gotra members shared ancestry. �� Marriage within the same gotra was prohibited.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The assertion is correct because gotras were associated with Vedic seers and common descent. However, the reason is false because Brahmanical rules promoted exogamy, not marriage within the same gotra. Same-gotra marriages were generally prohibited. Therefore Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → The reason is factually incorrect.
�� Option B → Both statements are not true.
�� Option D → The assertion is historically correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Evaluate the assertion and reason independently.

Final Logic:

Gotras traced descent, but same-gotra marriage was forbidden.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Same Gotra? No Marriage."

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

11 Under the rule of exogamy, how was the marriage of women from high-status families managed?

A They were married within their own kin group.

B They were married into families outside the kin group.

C They were given absolute freedom to choose any partner.

D They retained their father's gotra permanently.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Exogamy means marriage outside the kin group. �� Brahmanical norms encouraged such marriages. �� Women joined their husband's family after marriage.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Exogamy was a key Brahmanical principle requiring women to marry outside their own kin group or gotra. This helped maintain lineage distinctions and regulate marriage alliances. Option B correctly reflects this practice. Options A, C, and D contradict Brahmanical norms regarding marriage and kinship.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Marriage within the kin group is endogamy, not exogamy.
�� Option C → Marriages were often regulated, especially in high-status families.
�� Option D → Women were generally expected to adopt their husband's gotra.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Substitution

Application:

Replace "exogamy" with its meaning and identify the matching option.

Final Logic:

Exogamy literally means marriage outside the kin group.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Exo = Exit the Kin Group."

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

12 According to the Brahmanical rules, what change in identity was expected of a woman upon marriage?

A She was required to retain her father's gotra for life.

B She had to adopt the name of her mother's gotra.

C She was required to drop all gotra affiliations entirely.

D She was expected to give up her father's gotra and adopt her husband's.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Marriage altered a woman's gotra affiliation. �� Brahmanical norms linked wives to husbands. �� Adoption of husband's gotra was expected.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Brahmanical traditions prescribed that women leave their father's gotra after marriage and adopt that of their husband. This reinforced patrilineal identity and lineage continuity. Option D is correct. Options A, B, and C are inconsistent with the prescribed gotra rules found in Dharmashastric traditions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Retaining the father's gotra was not the prescribed norm.
�� Option B → Maternal gotra adoption was not required.
�� Option C → Women remained within the gotra system after marriage.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Remove options that contradict established Brahmanical marriage rules.

Final Logic:

Marriage shifted a woman's gotra affiliation to her husband's lineage.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Marriage = Husband's Gotra."

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

13 Several generations of ____________ rulers are known from inscriptions, which often include titles ending with the term 'puta', meaning son.

A Mauryan

B Gupta

C Satavahana

D Shunga

💡 Short Explanation

�� Satavahana inscriptions preserve royal genealogy. �� Names often include the suffix "puta". �� "Puta" means son.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Satavahana inscriptions provide valuable genealogical information. Names such as Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani include the suffix "puta," meaning son. These inscriptions help reconstruct family histories and marriage practices. Mauryas, Guptas, and Shungas are not specifically associated with this naming pattern in NCERT discussions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Mauryan inscriptions do not prominently use this naming convention.
�� Option B → Gupta rulers followed different titulary traditions.
�� Option D → Shunga evidence does not emphasize the suffix "puta."

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Associate the term "puta" with the dynasty discussed in NCERT.

Final Logic:

"Gotami-puta" directly points to Satavahana rulers.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Puta = Satavahana Son."

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

14 Consider the following statements about Satavahana inscriptions:
1. They help historians trace family ties and marriages.
2. They indicate that many Satavahana queens retained their father's gotra names.
3. Several Satavahana rulers used metronymics in their names.
4. The inscriptions show that all Satavahana queens adopted their husband's gotra after marriage.

A 1, 2 and 3 only

B 1 and 4 only

C 2, 3 and 4 only

D 1, 2, 3 and 4

💡 Short Explanation

�� Inscriptions provide genealogical information. �� Queens often retained paternal gotra names. �� Metronymics are visible in royal names.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Satavahana inscriptions are important sources for reconstructing kinship patterns. They help historians trace family relationships and marriages. Several queens retained names derived from their father's gotras, while rulers such as Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani used metronymics. Statement 4 is incorrect because inscriptional evidence suggests deviations from the ideal Brahmanical rule of adopting the husband's gotra.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option B → Statement 4 is incorrect, while Statements 2 and 3 are supported by inscriptional evidence.
�� Option C → Includes incorrect Statement 4 and ignores Statement 1, which is historically valid.
�� Option D → All four statements are not correct because Statement 4 contradicts inscriptional evidence.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Option Grouping

Application:

Evaluate each statement independently and identify the incorrect statement before selecting the combination.

Final Logic:

Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct; Statement 4 is incorrect.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Satavahana = Family, Gotra, Mother-name."

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

15 The name 'Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani' implies that the king was:

A Identified by a name derived from his mother's gotra

B Born in the Gotami region of the Deccan

C The original founder of the Gotami gotra

D Formally adopted by a sage named Gotama

💡 Short Explanation

�� "Gotami" refers to the mother. �� "Puta" means son. �� The name reflects a metronymic practice.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Gotami-puta means "son of Gotami." This is an example of a metronymic, where identification derives from the mother's name or gotra. Such naming practices are visible among Satavahana rulers. Options B, C, and D incorrectly interpret the significance of the title.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option B → The title does not indicate a geographical origin.
�� Option C → It does not imply founding a gotra.
�� Option D → No evidence suggests adoption by a sage.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Substitution

Application:

Break the compound name into its historical meaning.

Final Logic:

Gotami + puta = son of Gotami.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Puta = Son Of."

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

16 An examination of the names of women who married Satavahana rulers reveals that:

A They were completely stripped of any gotra identity upon marriage.

B They evidently retained names derived from their father's gotras instead of adopting their husband's gotra.

C They forcefully changed the gotras of their husbands to match their own.

D They strictly followed the Manusmriti's rule of gotra adoption.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Satavahana queens retained paternal gotra identities. �� This differed from Brahmanical expectations. �� Inscriptions provide evidence for this practice.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Inscriptional evidence indicates that many Satavahana queens retained names linked to their father's gotras. This differs from the Brahmanical expectation that women adopt their husband's gotra after marriage. Thus Option B is correct. The remaining options are not supported by inscriptional evidence.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Women continued to possess gotra identities.
�� Option C → There is no evidence of husbands changing gotras.
�� Option D → The inscriptions indicate deviation from this rule.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Compare inscriptional evidence with Brahmanical prescriptions.

Final Logic:

Evidence shows retention of paternal gotra names.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Satavahana Queens Kept Father's Gotra."

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

17 The fact that some Satavahana queens belonged to the same gotra as each other exemplifies which practice?

A Endogamy

B Exogamy

C Polyandry

D Matriliny

💡 Short Explanation

�� Endogamy means marriage within a group. �� Some Satavahana marriages followed this pattern. �� It differed from Brahmanical ideals.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The presence of queens from the same gotra suggests marriage within a closely related social group. This is termed endogamy. It contrasts with exogamy, which required marriage outside the kin group. Polyandry and matriliny refer to entirely different social practices and do not fit the evidence.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option B → Exogamy requires marriage outside the group.
�� Option C → Polyandry concerns multiple husbands.
�� Option D → Matriliny concerns descent through women.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Substitution

Application:

Replace each social term with its meaning.

Final Logic:

Marriage within the same social group indicates endogamy.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Endo = Inside Group."

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

18 Endogamy, as seen in the marriages among kinfolk, ensured a close-knit community and was prevalent among communities in which region?

A Central Asia

B Northern Plains

C South India

D Eastern India

💡 Short Explanation

�� Kin marriages strengthened community ties. �� Such practices were common in South India. �� NCERT highlights this regional pattern.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT notes that marriages among kinfolk, including cousin marriages, were prevalent in parts of South India. These endogamous practices helped maintain close-knit social networks. Options A, B, and D are not identified as the principal regions associated with this tradition in the chapter.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → Central Asia is not discussed in this context.
�� Option B → Northern India generally emphasized exogamous ideals.
�� Option D → Eastern India is not highlighted for this practice.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Recall the regional example associated with endogamous marriages.

Final Logic:

NCERT links kin marriages prominently with South India.

🧠 Memory Trick

"South India = Kin Marriage Tradition."

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

📄 Passage

"A mother's advice: The Mahabharata describes how, when war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas became almost inevitable, Gandhari made one last appeal to her eldest son Duryodhana: 'By making peace you honour your father and me, as well as your well-wishers ... Duryodhana did not listen to this advice and fought and lost the war.'"

What does Gandhari's intervention suggest about the role of mothers in royal families according to the epic?

A Mothers were officially recognized as the ultimate rulers.

B Mothers could offer moral and political counsel, even if it was ultimately ignored.

C Mothers had absolutely no standing in family matters.

D Mothers were strictly forbidden from speaking to their sons.

💡 Short Explanation

�� Gandhari advised Duryodhana. �� Her advice had moral authority. �� Sons could still ignore such counsel.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage shows Gandhari attempting to influence a major political decision. Her intervention demonstrates that royal mothers could offer moral and political guidance. However, they did not always control outcomes. Thus Option B is correct. The other options either exaggerate or completely deny the influence shown in the passage.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → The passage does not show mothers as supreme rulers.
�� Option C → Gandhari clearly participates in family and political matters.
�� Option D → The passage directly contradicts this claim.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Interpret the message conveyed by Gandhari's actions in the passage.

Final Logic:

Advice was offered, though not necessarily obeyed.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Gandhari Guided, Duryodhana Ignored."

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

📄 Passage

In the context of Duryodhana and the war, the underlying dispute was primarily over what system of succession?

A Matrilineal succession to the throne

B Democratic election of the king

C Division of stridhana

D Patrilineal succession to the throne

💡 Short Explanation

�� The Kaurava-Pandava conflict involved inheritance. �� Both groups claimed dynastic rights. �� The dispute reflected patrilineal succession.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Mahabharata's central conflict revolves around claims to royal power and inheritance within a ruling lineage. The dispute concerned who had the legitimate right to succeed within a patrilineal framework. Therefore Option D is correct. The conflict was not about matriliny, elections, or stridhana.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

�� Option A → The succession system was not matrilineal.
�� Option B → Kings were not chosen through democratic elections.
�� Option C → Stridhana was unrelated to the throne dispute.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Connect the epic conflict with NCERT's discussion of patriliny.

Final Logic:

The war centered on inheritance and dynastic succession.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Mahabharata War = Patrilineal Claim."

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

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Marriage Rules and Gotra System

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