Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Sociology

Chapter

Indian Society: Continuity and Change

Question:

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

Options:

Varna is generally understood as a broad all-India classification.

Jati refers to a more local and region-specific system of social classification.

The hierarchy of jatis is more or less identical across all regions of India.

The relationship between varna and jati has been debated among scholars.

Correct Answer:

The hierarchy of jatis is more or less identical across all regions of India.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 3: The hierarchy of jatis is more or less identical across all regions of India.

The jati system is characterised by regional and local variation. While varna is generally viewed as a broad all-India classification, jati consists of numerous castes and sub-castes whose relative positions may differ from one region to another. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that the hierarchy of jatis remains the same throughout India.

NCERT: "The precise relationship between varna and jati has been the subject of much speculation and debate among scholars. The most common interpretation is to treat varna as a broad all-India aggregative classification, while jati is taken to be a regional or local sub-classification involving a much more complex system consisting of hundreds or even thousands of castes and sub-castes. This means that while the four varna classification is common to all of India, the jati hierarchy has more local classifications that vary from region to region. "