Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

Which social category was believed to have originated from Purusha's feet, according to the Purusha sukta?
1) Brahmana
2) Kshatriya
3) Vaishya
4) Shudra

Options:

4

3

2

1

Correct Answer:

4

Explanation:

To support their assertions, Brahmanas frequently referred to a hymn from the Rigveda known as the Purusha sukta, which narrates the sacrifice of Purusha, the primaeval man. According to this hymn, all components of the universe, including the four social categories, were believed to have originated from Purusha's body. Specifically, it states:
The Brahmana emerged from his mouth, The Kshatriya was created from his arms, His thighs gave rise to the Vaishya, And the Shudra was born from his feet.