In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: Endogamy was and is still prevalent amongst several communities in south India.
Reason: Such marriages amongst kinfolk (such as cousins) ensured a close-knit community.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Endogamy or marriage within the kin group, was (and is) prevalent amongst several communities in south India. Such marriages amongst kinfolk (such as cousins) ensured a close-knit community.