Module - 8

Indian Social Structure

I. Essay Questions (5 Marks)

1. What is meant by 'Tribe'? What are the features by which we can identify a trible ?

A. Tribe is one of the earliest identifiable social organizations we can identify a tribe by the following
features :
(i) All members are related to each other by blood
(ii) All members are equal in status
(iii) All members believe that they have descended from a common ancestor
(iv) All member have equal access to the resources
(v) The sense of private property is least visible
(vi) Social differentiation exists only on the basis of age & sex.

2. Explain the importance of Varna system during Vedic period.

A. In the vedic period the Bharatas, Yadus, Turvasas, Druhyus, Purus and Anus were some of the
prominent tribes. The head of the tribe was known as Raja or king who was first among the
equals.
People who didnot belong to the vedic tribes tribes were termed as 'dasa varna'. They are said
to have an aliess language, a dark complexion and worshiped different gods.
This initial differentiation later developed into a complex varna system, which in place of the tribe
had divided society into Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra categories.

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 The members of the Brahman varna usually functioned as Priest. The kshatriyas were associated
with the political functions, the vaishyas were mostly agriculturists and the Shudras were the
servile class.

The first two varnas exploited the most numerous and productive vaishya varna, whereas the
three in unision explocted the shudras. The three higher varnas were also entitled to the sacred
thread ceremony (upanayana) and were known as dvija (twice-born) In this way varna system
gained importance during vedic period.

3. Mention the changes that took place in the caste system during the post - vedic period.

A. Many changes took place in the caste system during the post vedic period.

The period between 500BC and 500 AC saw the crystallisation of the caste system. The number
of castes increased manifold because of the growth of a number of crafts, arrival of new elements
is the population, inter caste marriages and inclusion of many tribes into caste hierarchy.

In Bengal, south India and other border arear mainly two cases emerged ie., the Brahmanas and
the Shudras.

The Rajputs emerged as a significant factor in the society of Northern India from 7th century
onwards.

Typical of the south were the so called 'left - hand' (idangai) and 'right hand' (velangai) castes.

Manu noted 61 castes. A later text counted hundreds of mixed castes (Varnasankara).

4. Give an account of untouchability in the Indian society.

A. The notion of untouchability took roots during the last phase of the vedic period. It became a
seperate category in the age of Buddha. They were called as the fifth varna(Panchama) 'chandala'
is the term used loosely for many types of untouchables. They were not allowed to reside in the
caste villages and had to stay in special graters outside the main settlements. Then main task was
to carry and cremate the corpses. The law books have prescribed that they should be dressed
in garments of the corpses they cremated, should eat food from broken vessels and should wear
only iron ornaments. The hunters, fisherment, leather workers, sweepers and basket makers all
became untouchables.

Domb was a tribe which became untouchable category after coming into contact with the caste
divided groups 'Mlechchas' were also considered untouchables.

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5. Explain how purushartha, ashrama and samskara influence mans' life.

A. Main has to practise purusharstha, ashrama and samskara Purushartha means aims of life which
is divided into 4 ashramas or stages. They are

1) Brahma charya

2) Grihastha ashrama

3) Vanaprastha ashrama and

4) Sanyasa ashrama

During brahmacharya period, a person receives education and learns to discipline his will and
emotions.

In grihastha ashrama stage he practices artha and kama in accordance with dharma.

Durining vanaprastha ashrama stage he leaves the family and retires to the forest, where he
practices detachment from all worldy pursuits and intersets. If he dies is this stage he attains
moksha. Otherwise he enters the sanyasa ashrama where he lives like an ascetic striving constantly
for the attainment of moksha.

According to the scheme, the four stages of life began not with physical birth, but with sacred
thread ceremony. There are some 40 such samskarar. Some important ones are :

1. garbhadana (conception) 2. Pumsavana (male child)

3. Nishkramana (showing the sun) 4. Annaprashana (first feeding of solid food)

5. Samavartana(end of first stage) 6. Vivaha (marriage) etc.

All these samkaras are prescribed for the three upper varnas and not for the shudeas and
untouchables.

6. 'Jajmani system is a part of Indian culture' Elucidate.

A. Jajmani system was a complementary relationship between the groups of dominant peasant castes
on the one hand and service and artisan castes on the other.

In this system the service castes rendered services to the Land owning peasant castes as well as
to the high and dominant castes.

They were entitled to traditionally fixed shares of the produce and in some cases a small plot of
land.

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 Thus the leather workers the barbers, the prists, the garland makers the ploughment and versions
types of smiths worked for the high castes or dominant landowing groups. However such servivce
castes always retained some freedom to sell their goods and services.

This system of service relationship is now breaking up under the influence of monetsation,
urbanisation and isdustrialisations. During medival period this system of relationships acted as a
safeguard in times of distress and calamities.

7. Explain about the importance of family system.

A. The traditional Indian family is a large kinship group commonly described a joint family.

This family is generally patriarchal and patritineal.

The father or the oldest male member is the head of the house and administration of the property
and the headship descends in the male line.

There are many regions where families are materilineal in which the headship descends in the
feamale line such as in Kerala and the northeastern region of Nagaland and Meghalaya.

The bond between the members of the family gave a sense of social security to its members.

Traditionally the family in India is governed by two schools of sacred law and customs. These
are based on Mitakshara and Dayabhaga.

The sacred law made provisions for the break up of the dry large and unmanageable joint families.

The joint family property did not include individual property of the members at least from medival
times onwards and hence such properties could not be divided.

In the post - independence period the consitution provided that each religious community would
be governed by their religious personal laws.

The Hindu, Buddhist, sikh and Jain communities are governed by the codified Hindu Acts of
1955-56.

8. Explain the various types of marriage ceremonies in Indian society.

A. Families are the result of a very important samskara ceremony known as marriage. depending
on its nature, marriage is of many kinds such as :

1. hypergamous or anuloma

2. hypogamous or pratiloma

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 Anuloma means man of high caste marrying woman of low caste. Pratiloma means man of low
cast marrying looman of high caste.
Marriage is based on an alliane between varna/caste, monogamous, polygamous and polyandrous
based on the number of spouses.
Traditionally speaking, marriages were arranged by the parents of the couple who usually belong
to the same caste, but of different gotras (persons having common ancestors) and pravaras
(prohibited degree).
Marriages are legal as per Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and they are socially approved.
Marriages of chandragupta and Akbar are polygamous under the modern laws polygamy has
been rendered illegar. Only Muslims can marry four times.
We all know about the case of Draupadi marrying five Pandava brothers. This kind of marriage
is known as polyandeour marriage.

9. Critically examine the position of women in the history of Indian Society.

A. The history of women in India is the story of progressive decline. During the vedic period even
under partiarchy, women participated in all the affairs of the tribe barring wars.
The early law books reduced the women to the status of a Shudra. Except some personal
property (stridhana) they were not entitled to any property.
Even vedic knowledge was closed to women. The Tantric sets of the early medival period gave
woman an important place in their cult and instituted orders of feamale ascetors. Throughout the
early historical and early medival periods. Women were not encouraged to take up any intellectual
activity. There true function was marriage and taking care of their families.
Women belonging to upper castes received some education and few of them are mentioned as
poets and dramatists. In the medival period and till very recent times the arts of music and
dancing were looked on as unfit for high caste women and were practised onlyby low-caste
women and prostitutes.
Marriage at an early age became sanctified. Sati system became quite common. Widow remarriage
was not permissible.
The Arabs & Turks adopted the practice of keeping a veil on faces of upper class women from
the Iranians & brought to India with them.
With the efforts of Ram Mohan Roy, Radhakanta Deb, Bhawani charan Bernerji the practise of
sati was banned in 1829.

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 In 1856, through the efforts of Ishwar chandra Vidyasagar the first widow remarriage took place
Recently, supreme court of India has further recognised, the daughters' share in her fathers'
property. Even women reservation bill is passed in Parliament recently.

II. Short Questions (3 Marks)

1. What is the difference between Varna and jati system.

A. Varna : The tribes had divided the society into Brahmana, Kashatreya, Vaishya and Shudra.

Jati : The varna underwent further changes and formed many Jatis. Of them guilds and Sherni
were most important.

2. How many kinds of slavery are the according to Arthashastra ? What re they ?

A. Arthashastra states that :

(i) A man could be a slave by birth

(ii) By voluntarily selling himself

(iii) By being capured in war (or)

(iv) As a result of judicial punishment.

3. How many types of samskaras are there ? Whar are they ?

A. There are some 40 samskaras. Some important ones are :

(i) Upanayana (ii) garbhadana (iii) Pumsavana

(iv) Nishkramana (v) Annaprashana (vi) Samvarthana

(vii) Vivaha (viii) Antyesti etc.,

4. What are the reasons for breaking up of Jajmani system ?

A. Jajmani system was a complementary relationship between the groups of dominant peasant castes
and service and artisan castes.

The service castes rendered services to the land - owing peasant castes as well as to the high and
dominant casles and were entitled to traditionally fixed shares of the produce and in some cases
to a small plot of land the leather - workers, the barbers, the priests, the garland makers, the
ploughmen and various types of smiths worked for the high castes of dominant groups.

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 5. What do you mean by the two schools of sacred law and custom - Milakshara &
Dayabhaga ?
A. Traditionally the family in India is governed by two schools of sacred law and custom. These are
based on Mitakashara and Dayabhaga.
Mitakshara made provision for the breakup of the very large and unmanageable joint families.
The joint family property did not individual properties of members.

6. How many kinds of marriages are there ? What are they ?

A. Fimilies are the result of a very important samskara ceremony known or marriage.
Depending on its nature it is of many kinds. They are
(i) hypergamous or anuloma
(ii) hypagamous or pratiloma

7. Mention about the social reformers who setup for the upliftment of women.
A. In 1829, with the efforts of Ram Mohan Roy, Radhakanta deb, Bhawani charan Banerji the
Practise of sati was banned.
In 1955, through the Hindu Marriage Act, the minimum age limit for the bridegroom was fixed at
18 years and for the bride at 15 years.
In 1856, through the efforts of Jshwar Chandra Vidyasagar the first widow remarriage took
place.
In 1860, Pandit Vishnu Shastri founded widow Marriage association.

III. Very short Question 1Mark.

1. What is meant by a tribe ?
2. Which tribes are generally of one gothra ?
3. Which members of Varna were the servile class ?
4. Who called the untouchables as 'Harijan' ?
5. Into how many ashramas a persons life is divided ? What are they ?
6. Which is the sytem that developed during the early medival period and continued till modern
times in the rural society ?
7. What is the main reason for breaking up of Jajmani system ?
8. Which kind of family consists of husband, wife and children only ?

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 9. In which regions of India matrilineal families exist ?

10. Name the two schools of sacred law and custom which govern the trational family in India.

11. What is the basis of anuloma and pratiloma marriage ?

12. Between whom marriage is prohibited ?

13. Give an example for polyandrous marriage.

14. Which Act gives Marriage certification ?

15. Why was there a practice of keeping veil on the faces for women ?

IV. Fill in the blanks

1. In 1856, through the efforts of ............. the first widow remarriage took place.

2. In 1995, through the Hindu Marriage Act, the minimum age limit for bridegroom was fixed at
............. years and for the bride at .............

3. The Arabs and Turks adopted the purdah system from ............. and bought it to India.

4. In the year ............. the practise of sati was banned

5. In kerala ............. family is in existence.

6. Traditionally the family in India is governed by two schools which are based on ............. and
.............

7. Jajmani system is breaking up due to .............

8. ............. has given harrowing accounts of the slave trade at Goa.

9. The sanskrit word for slave is .............

10. Mahatma Gandhi calls the untouchables as .............

V. Match the following.

1. Multiple caste system ( ) A.Guilds & shernis
2. North Indian Castes ( ) B. Untouchables
3. South India ( ) C. Gothra
4. Panchamas ( ) D. Tribe
5. Other word for slave ( ) E. Dasa
F. Velangai, Indagain castes

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 6. Megasthanis ( ) G.First widow remarriage
7. Malik Kafur ( ) H. Widow marriage Association
8. Raja Ram Mohan Roy ( ) I. Slave in Delhi Sultan
9. Ishwar chandra vidya sagar ( ) J. Said there is no slavery in India
10. Panolit vishnu sastu ( ) K. Child Marriages
L. Banned sati

VI. Multiple Choise

1. Which of the following were priests ( )

a) vaishyas b) shudras c) Brahmans d) Kshatriyas
2. In vedic period, vaishyas were dependent on ( )
a) Industries b) Agriculture c) Slavery d) Business
3. Who were not eligible for 'Upanayana' ( )
a) Shudras b) Brahmans c) Kshatriyas d) Vaishyas
4. From which century Rajputs emerged as significant factor in the society of
Northern India ( )
a) 7th century AD b) 7th century BC
c) 14th century BC d) None
5. In vijayanagara rule of 16th century which markets were there ( )
a) Fish markets b) Vegtable Market
c) Slave Markets d) None
6. In which ashrama a person detaches from all worldy intrests and retires to the forest ( )
a) Sanyasa b) Vanaprasthana c) Brahmacharya d) Grihastha
7. Which ashrama a person enters after Upanayana ? ( )
a) Brahmacharya b) Grihasta c) Vanaprasthana d) Sanyasa
8. After which smskara a person is said to be complete member of society ( )
a) Samanartana b) Vivaha c) Upanayana d) Garbhadana
9. Which of the following refers man of high caste marrying women of low caste ( )
a) Love marriage b) child marriage c) Anuloma d) Pratiloma

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 10. Hindu Marriage Act was passed in the year ................. ( )
a) 1938 b) 1955 c) 1966 d) 1944
Answers :
1. Earliest identifiable social organisation
2. Girijan Tribes
3. Shudras
4. Mahatma Gandhi
5. 4 stages - (1) Bhramacharya (2) Grishastha (3) Vanaprashtana (4) Sanyasa
6. Jajmani system
7. Urbanisation
8. Nuclear families
9. Kerala, Nagaland & Medhalaya
10. Mitakshari & Dayabhaga
11. Very important samskara ceremony known as marriage
12. Persons having common ancestor
13. Draupadi married 5 pandava brothers
14. Hindu Marriage Act of 1955
15. Fear of Hindu women being captued by invaders also as a symbol of higher classes in society.
IV.
1. Ishwar chandra Vidya Sagar 2. 18 years & 15 years
2. Iranians 4. 1829 year
5. Materilineal 6. Mitakshari, Dayabhaga
7. Urbanision 8. Linochoten
9. Dasa 10. Harijans
V. 1. C 2. A 3. F 4. B 5. E
6. J 7. I 8. L 9. G 10. H
VI.
1.C 2.B 3.A 4.A 5.C 6. B 7.A 8.C 9.C 10. B
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 Some Contemporary Social Problems

I. Essay Questions (5 Marks)

1. Examine the evil of dowry. How can it be eliminated ?

A. The practice of dowry is one of the worst social evils that is haunting us even today. In
independent India the Dowry Prohibition Act was passed by the Government of India in 1961
as the practice of both giving as well as accepting dowry is a crime.
Dowry deaths, domestic violence against women including physical as well as psychological
torture are increasing day by day. It is hertening to see when a few young girls stand firm to
assert there rights braving heavy odds.
But there is an urgent need to strengthen such hands by taking some concrete as well as
comprehensive social, economic, political & administrative measures in order to free our
society of disease.

2. Define 'drug Abuse'. What are the reason for it & how can it be prevented ?

A. The use of drugs for other than prescribed medical treatment, particularly in a habitual manner
is called 'drug abise'. A person who develops dependence on one or more drugs is called an
addict.
As the range of addictive substances continues to exapand, more and more persons, particularly,
in younger age groups, get addicted. The factors that are responsible for this include peer-
pressure, non-conductive family environment and stress.
Substance abuse is a condition which needs medical and psychological help. The parents
have to be considerate to children, particularly during there transition from childhood to
adolescence and adulthood, when many changes occur in their physique.
Unless their environment, families, schools and friends educate them not to use drugs, they are
likely to be trapped.

3. Describe briefly about gender discrimissation.

A. The world Bank document estimates that in developing countries, 450 million adult women have
their development problems due to lack of protein input during their childhood. In many
communities, women & girls is the world are estimated to be out of school, compared to 16.4%
(60 million) bodys

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 They are generally the last to have their basic needs met and first to have their basic rights denied.

Girls' right to safety, freedom from harassment and exploitation, their rights to grow, develop and
blossom are denied.

For instance, as per censes 2001, India has over 927 females for 1000 males, worse than the
933 : 1000 ratio in the 1991 cencus.

4. Give reasons for poverty and unemployment. How can we deal with these problems ?

A. Nearly 28% people live below poverty line and its impact becomes a serious concern.
A quarter of the population that belongs to the scheduled category is almost entirely below
poverty line. Along with poverty, unemployment is also causing obstruction to the progress
world wide.

Chronic unemployment and the consequent poverty are responsible for the erosin of human
values.

In order to reduce these problems, government has to implement rehabilitation centres for those
who lie below poverty line and it has to provide self - employment schemes, bank loans, required
capitals etc. To overcome these problems we should control population and provide education
for all sets of people.

5. What are the responsibilities that families & communities must discharge to help the
individual to tide over their problems ?

A. It is of utmost importance that the family acts as an organisation to protect human values, cultural
identity and historical continuity.

Sharing responsibilities of home - making, assistance from the young to the old, from the able -
bodied to the infirm and guidance from the old to the young, are obvious aspects of the inter -
familial support system.

Parents need to learn to take time out to meet educational, health and other needs of their
children.

There is a need to maintain a balance between work and familial responsibilities.

The elderly need to remain in the community through their experience and expertise as much as
possible.

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 II. Short Questions (3 Marks)
1. How is the nuclear family system responsible for the bad condition of the aged people ?
A. The world population is ageing. The aged were 8% in 1950, 10% in 2000 and estimated to
increase to 21% in 2050. In India, the number of elder persons was 5.8% (25.5 million) in 1961.
In 1991 it increased to 6.7% (56.6 million). In 2011, it is estimated to 8.1% (96 million), that is
expected to grow to 137 million in 2021 with the joint family breaking down, and the urban
families largely living in nuclear units, the old are increasingly becoming unwelcome members in
their own families.
2. Who is a child ? Which international NGO rescued thousands of child bonded labours.
A. A child is the one who is in the age group of 6-14 years. They are supposed to be in schools.
The estimate by NGOs puts it at 60 million, of which 200,000 work as domestic helpers and
almost an equal number as bonded labourers. The South Asin Coalition on child Servitude
(SACCS), an international NGO, alone rescued 45,000 bonded child labourers over a period of
15 years.

3. What is Dowry ? Who are the victims of the practice of dowry ?

A. The wealth given by brides' parents to the grooms' parents is called "dowry".
The bride, her parents, society, nation and many more are the victims of practice of dowry.
Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961 by the government of India.

4. What does poverty do to the quality of life ?

A. One - sixth of humanity is living in dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty.
Due to poverty there is a decline is the development rate world wide. Parent do not hesitate to
send their children to labour market under the compulsion of poverty. Millions of children miss
their childhood because of this phenomenon. They remains uneducated and ignorant.

III. Very short Question 1Mark.

1. What is mean by dowry ?
2. Define drug abuse.
3. Who is a child ?
4. Which intunational NGO rescued thousands of child bonded labours ?
5. Who are the victims of gender discrimination ?
6. Why do children remain uneducated & ignorant ?
7. As per census 2001, what is the ratio of male & female ?
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 8. What are the problems of aged people ?
9. Under which system young get guidance from old ?
10. Who are 'drug addicts' ?

IV. Fill in the blanks

1. Nearly ............. % people live below povery time.
2. There is need to maintain a ............. between work and familial responsibilities.
3. Due to ............. family units aged are being unwelcomed in their own families.
4. The number of elder persons will increase to ............. in 2021.
5. The ratio of males & female is ............. as per 2001 census.
6. Girls are the world's most squandered .............
7. There is a ............. in health status between men and women at the global level.
8. ............. excell is education, tradition custom and social practice compared with boys.
9. The use of drug other than prescribed medical treatment is .............
10. A person who depends on one or more drugs is called .............

V. Match the following.

(i) Dowary Prohibition Act ( ) A.lie below poverty line
(ii) Age of a child ( ) B. Year 1961
(iii) Male-female ratio ( ) C. 6-14 years
(iv) Nuclear families ( ) D. 927:1000
(v) Poor people ( ) E. 917 : 1000
F. Husband-wife-children

VI. Multiple Choise

1. Dowry prohibition Act was passed is ( )

a) 1971 b) 1961 c) 1951 d) 1981
2. Childs' age group is between ( )
a) 2-3 years b) 4-5 years c) 6-14years d) 6-18years
3. Percentage of girls in the world estimated to be out of school ( )

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 a) 24.5% b) 44.5% c) 14.5% d) 34.5%
4. As per 2001 census femal-male ratio is ( )
a) 927:1000 b) 962:1000 c) 937:1000 d) 947:1000
5. The number of elder persons is expected to grow to ( )
a) 115 Millions b) 117 Millions c) 127 Millions d) 137 millions
Answers :
1. The wealth given by brides' parents to the grooms' parents is called dowry
2. The use of drugs for other than prescribed medical treatment is defined as 'drug abuse'.
3. Child is the one who is in the age group of 6-14 years
4. The south Asian Coalition on child servitude (SACCS)
5. Girls
6. Due to Poverty
7. 927 : 1000
8. As they are being unwelcomed by there own family members
9. Intra - familial support system
10. A person who depends on one or more drugs is called 'drug addict'.
IV.
1. 28% 2. balance
3. Nuclear families 4. 137 Million
5. 927 : 1000 6. gift
7. disparity 8. Girls
9. Drug abuse 10 Drug addict
V. (i) B (ii) C (iii) D (iv) F (v) A
VI.
1.B 2.C 3.A 4.A 5. D

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