Ancient India Social Structure

Which of these is the best argument against using a caste system to organize a modern society.

• The caste system prevents a nation from using people's skills efficiently.

• The caste system increases the level of corruption in the economic system.

• The caste system restricts trade and contact with people in other countries.

• The caste system undermines incentives for people to obey their political leaders.

Ancient India developed the most rigid social hierarchical system of its time, called what?

• ostracism

• caste

• kowtowing

• sari

What responsibility would be carried out by those in ancient Indian society known as "untouchables"?

• cleaning streets and removing waste

• preforming religious ceremonies

• preparing and serving food

• leading soldiers into battle

The caste system in India was characterized by what?

• toleration for various religious beliefs

• equality between men and women

• a lack of social mobility

• the right of people to choose their occupations

Under the caste system of ancient India, which group had the highest status?

• Sudras, who served as farmers

• Brahmans, who served as priests

• Vaisyas, who served as merchants

• Kshatriyas, who served as warriors

Someone from the Brahim caste in ancient Indian society would find it MOST important to know

• how to read texts in Sanskrit

• skills for fighting on horseback

• methods for growing different crops

• the rituals and teachings of Buddhism

In ancient Indian society, someone who owned a shop that sold spices MOST likely belonged to what caste/

• Brahmin

• Kshatriya

• Sudra

• Vaishya

What role would belong to a member of the Kshatriya caste in ancient India?

• a skilled artisan

• a livestock herder

• a religious teacher

• a government leader

Which caste in ancient Indian society had the MOST number of people?

• Brahmin

• Kshatriya

• Sudra

• Vaishya

Carrying water and goods

Plowing fields and harvesting crops

Working as servants in homes and shops

Is work done by which ancient Indian caste?

• Brahimn

• Kshatriya

• Sudra

• Vaishya