Choose the correctly matched pair from the following:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Features of caste in the past - prescribed rules found in ancient scriptural texts

Option (1) Scriptural rules on marriage and food sharing - meant to encourage mixing of castes — Incorrect. The scriptural rules on marriage and food sharing were designed to prevent the mixing of castes. The pair states the opposite purpose.

Option (2) Material power in caste society - economic or religious power — Incorrect. Material power means economic or military power. Religious power is ritual standing, so it does not belong in this pair.

Option (3) Wholism - each caste being strictly separated from other castes — Incorrect. Wholism means castes have no individual existence and exist only in relation to the larger whole of society. Strict separation belongs to the other principle, difference and separation.

Option (4) Features of caste in the past - prescribed rules found in ancient scriptural texts — Correct. The features of caste in the past are the prescribed rules found in ancient scriptural texts. These rules were not always practised, so we cannot say how far they shaped the real life of caste.