Which of the following statements is correct about Dharmasutras?
A- From c. fourth century BCE onwards, Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras.
B- These laid down norms for rulers who were ideally expected to be Kshatriyas and also for other social categories.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option 2 - Only statement B is correct.
A- From c. fourth century BCE onwards, Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras. This is false. From c. sixth century BCE onwards, Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras.
B- These laid down norms for rulers who were ideally expected to be Kshatriyas and also for other social categories. This is correct.
"From c. sixth century BCE onwards, Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras. These laid down norms for rulers (as well as for other social categories), who were ideally expected to be Kshatriyas . Rulers were advised to collect taxes and tribute from cultivators, traders and artisans. Were resources also procured from pastoralists and forest peoples? We do not really know. What we do know is that raids on neighbouring states were recognised as a legitimate means of acquiring wealth. Gradually, some states acquired standing armies and maintained regular bureaucracies. Others continued to depend on militia, recruited, more often than not, from the peasantry."