During which ashrama were Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya men expected to lead simple lives and study the Vedas?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya was the first ashrama, the student stage. During it, men of these three varnas were expected to live simply and study the Vedas.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) Grihastha — Incorrect. The second stage, the life of a married householder.
Option (3) Vanaprastha — Incorrect. The third stage, of living in the forest and meditating.
Option (4) Sannyasa — Incorrect. The last stage, of giving up everything and becoming a wandering ascetic.