With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system? 1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority 2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land 3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Indian feudalism (c. 300–1200 CE), as described by R.S. Sharma, arose from land grants that created intermediaries (samantas) with administrative and fiscal rights over land — an administrative structure based on control of land (statement 2).
• It involved a hierarchy of lord–vassal ties, with samantas owing loyalty, tribute and military service to their overlord (statement 3).
• Statement 1 is wrong: feudalism meant a weak centre and strong local lords — the opposite of what is stated.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: feudalism had weak central authority.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 2 on land-based structure is also essential.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.