Which of the following statements is incorrect? |
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. |
The hierarchy of jatis is more or less identical across all regions of India. |
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. " |