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UPSC CSE Prelims 1996, Paper I

Ancient Indian Social & Political Structure

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Ancient Indian terminology distinguishes between 'kinship/social structures' and 'state/administrative components'.

Explanation Kula (family), Vansha (lineage), and Gotra (clan) are social divisions. Kosa (treasury) is one of the seven elements (Saptanga) of the State mentioned in the Arthashastra.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Kula, Vansha, and Gotra are based on blood relations and lineage.
Logic 2: Kosa refers to the wealth or treasury of a kingdom, a political-economic term.

Active Recall

Question

What are the seven limbs of the state according to Kautilya?

Answer

Swami (King), Amatya (Minister), Janapada (Territory), Durga (Fort), Kosa (Treasury), Danda (Army), and Mitra (Ally).

Core Insight

Categorization of terms is a standard UPSC method to test the conceptual depth of a student's understanding of ancient systems.

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