As we move down the hierarchical order of caste in the caste system:-

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Both, ritual purity and social status decrease

Option (1) Ritual purity increases and social status decreases — Incorrect. Purity and status do not move apart. Castes that are considered ritually pure have high status, so going down the ladder, purity falls; it does not rise.

Option (2) Ritual purity decreases and social status increases — Incorrect. Status falls along with purity: castes considered less pure or impure have low status.

Option (3) Both, ritual purity and social status decrease — Correct. Each caste has an ordered rank in a ladder-like arrangement going from highest to lowest, and the ranking is based on the distinction between ‘purity’ and ‘pollution’. Castes that are ritually pure have high status and those less pure or impure have low status, so moving down the order, both ritual purity and social status decrease.

Option (4) Both, ritual purity and social status increase — Incorrect. Both rise only when we move up the hierarchy, towards the castes closest to the sacred.

NCERT (2025-26): “Caste in the Past … The hierarchical ordering of castes is based on the distinction between ‘purity’ and ‘pollution’. This is a division between something believed to be closer to the sacred (thus connoting ritual purity), and something believed to be distant from or opposed to the sacred, therefore considered ritually polluting. Castes that are considered ritually pure have high status, while those considered less pure or impure have low status. As in all societies, material power (i.e., economic or military power) is closely associated with social status, so that those in power tend to be of high status, and vice versa.…”