SociologyIndian Society: Continuity and Change

The most common features of the caste system are:A. It is an ascribed…

The most common features of the caste system are:

A. It is an ascribed identity.

B. It is an endogamous group.

C. It is linked to particular occupational groups.

D. It is based on abilities and can change over time.

Choose the correct statements from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → A, B and C only

A. It is an ascribed identity. Correct. Caste is determined by birth; it is never a matter of choice.

B. It is an endogamous group. Correct. Marriage is restricted to members of the group.

C. It is linked to particular occupational groups. Correct. Castes were traditionally linked to occupations, which were hereditary.

D. It is based on abilities and can change over time. Incorrect. Caste depends on birth, not ability, and one can never change one’s caste.

NCERT (2025-26): “3.1 Caste and the Caste System … The most commonly cited defining features of caste are the following:

1. Caste is determined by birth – a child is ‘born into’ the caste of its parents. Caste is never a matter of choice. One can never change one’s caste, leave it, or choose not to join it, although there are instances where a person may be expelled from their caste.…
2. Membership in a caste involves strict rules about marriage. Caste groups are ‘endogamous’, i.e. marriage is restricted to members of the group.…
…6. Castes were traditionally linked to occupations. A person born into a caste could only practice the occupation associated with that caste, so that occupations were hereditary, i.e. passed on from generation to generation.…”