Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The division of Mauryan society into seven classes is particularly mentioned in:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Foreign observers often interpreted Indian social structures through their own frameworks, leading to unique classifications distinct from the Sanskrit texts.Explanation
Megasthenes in his book 'Indica' famously claimed that the Indian population was divided into seven classes: Philosophers, Farmers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Soldiers, Overseers, and Councilors.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Megasthenes likely confused 'caste' (Varna/Jati) with 'profession' or 'economic status'.
Logic 2: Kautilya (Option A) adheres to the traditional four-fold Varna system, making Megasthenes' account a unique outsider's perspective.