Chapter 3 Important Questions

Q 1. Identify any two occupations to be performed by Kshatrivas as per varna

order.
Q 2. Identify any two strategies evolved by Brahmanas to enforce the norms of
varna order from C 600 BCE to 600 CE.
Q 3. State whether gender differences were really important in the early
societies from C 600 BCE to 600 CE.
Q 4. Mention the rules about classification of people in terms of ‘gotra’ under
Brahmanical practice around 1000 BCE onwards.
Q 5. How did Brahmanas develop a sharper social divide? Give two examples.
Q 6. Mention one of the most challenging episodes in the Mahabharata.
Q 7. Mention two ideal occupations of Brahmanas according to
Dharmashastras.
Q 8. Explain the language and content of Mahabharata.
Q 9. Explain how you will prove that the text of Mahabharata was a dynamic
one.
Q 10. What do you know about the authors and the period when Mahabharata
was compiled? Explain.
Q 11. Mention any two features of gotra as per the Brahmanical practice. What
evidences do we get from the Satavahana inscription regarding the inheritance
of gotra? Explain.
Q 12. Critically examine the duties as laid down in ‘Manusmriti’ for the
Chandalas.
Q13. Describe how, according to Manusmriti, paternal estate was to be divided
after the death of the parents with special reference to the rights of women.
Q 14. “The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras also contained rules about the
ideal occupations of the four categories of varnas.” Critically examine the
statement.
Q 15. Describe the position of the untouchables in ancient society.
Q 16. Describe the various stages through which Mahabharata was compiled in
the 20th century.
Q 17. What are the rules of gotra as given in Brahmanical practice? Give some
examples to show that these rules were not always followed.
Q 18. “The Mahabharata is a good source to study the Kinfolk values of ancient
times.” Justify the statement with suitable arguments.
Q19. In what ways was the Buddhist theory of a social contract different from
the Brahmanical view of society derived from the Purushasukta.
Q 20. Why Mahabharata is considered a colossal epic?
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