HistoryMedieval India: Through the Eyes of Travellers

Al-Biruni noted that four social categories were recognised in ancien…

Al-Biruni noted that four social categories were recognised in ancient Persia. With which of the following were lawyers grouped in one category?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Monks and fire-priests

Option (1) Peasants and artisans — Incorrect. Peasants and artisans formed the last category, the working people.

Option (2) Knights and princes — Incorrect. Knights and princes formed the first Persian category, a separate group of rulers and warriors.

Option (3) Physicians and astronomers — Incorrect. Physicians, astronomers and other scientists made up the third category, apart from the lawyers.

Option (4) Monks and fire-priests — Correct. In Al-Biruni's list for ancient Persia, monks, fire-priests and lawyers formed one category. He used this to show that social divisions were not unique to India.

NCERT (2026-27): “4.2 Al-Biruni’s description of the caste system
Al-Biruni tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies. He noted that in ancient Persia, four social categories were recognised: those of knights and princes; monks, fire-priests and lawyers; physicians, astronomers and other scientists; and finally, peasants and artisans. In other words, he attempted to suggest that social divisions were not unique to India. At the same time he pointed out that within Islam all men were considered equal, differing only in their observance of piety.”