How many classes of Indian society are mentioned in Megasthene's book Indica?

Question

Question

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SSC CGL 2023 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On: 24 Jul 2023 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 7.Key Points

Megasthene's book Indica mentions 7 classes of Indian society.
These classes were Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, Agriculturists, Artisans, and Hunters.
Brahmins were the highest class and were responsible for religious duties, while Kshatriyas were warriors and rulers.
Vaishyas were merchants and traders, while Shudras were considered to be of lower status and performed menial tasks.
Agriculturists, artisans, and hunters were also mentioned in the book as important members of society.

Additional Information

12 classes of Indian society were mentioned in the Manu Smriti, an ancient Hindu text.
- One of the earliest Sanskrit works that European philologists examined was the Manu Smriti.
- Sir William Jones was the one who translated it into English initially.
10 classes of Indian society were mentioned in the Vishnu Purana, another ancient Hindu text.
- Within the body of literature on Vaishnavism, is a significant Pancharatra text.
4 classes of Indian society were mentioned in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures.
- Out of the numerous Shakhas that existed, only the Sakalya Shakha is extant.