There are two statements:

Statement I: In the theoretical understanding of caste, hierarchy is meaningful only because castes are viewed as components of a larger social whole.

Statement II: If every caste were regarded as a completely independent social unit, the idea of an all-encompassing caste hierarchy would lose much of its meaning.

Both statements are correct and Statement II explains Statement I.

The correct answer is Option 1: Both statements are correct and Statement II explains Statement I.

Hierarchy requires comparison. Comparison requires that different groups belong to the same overarching system. If castes were completely independent entities, it would be difficult to place them in a single ladder-like hierarchy. Thus, the idea of hierarchy depends on the idea of a larger social whole.

Statement I: In the theoretical understanding of caste, hierarchy is meaningful only because castes are viewed as components of a larger social whole. — Correct.

Statement II: If every caste were regarded as a completely independent social unit, the idea of an all-encompassing caste hierarchy would lose much of its meaning. — Correct.

Why Statement II explains Statement I: The second statement explains why hierarchy presupposes wholism. A ranking system is possible only when the ranked units are understood as belonging to the same larger framework.