Al-Biruni argued: the Brahmana were created from the head of Brahman; Brahman is the force called nature; ...; so they are the choice part of the whole genus. Which step is missing?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → The head is the highest part of the body
Option (1) The Brahmana alone could recite the Vedas — Incorrect. Knowledge of the Vedas is linked with Brahmanas. This argument, however, rests only on the part of the body.
Option (2) The head is the highest part of the body — Correct. The argument needs a link from the head to rank. Al-Biruni gives it: the head is the highest part of the body, so those born from it are the choice part.
Option (3) The Brahmana were the first to be created — Incorrect. The order of creation plays no part in this argument. Rank comes from the part of the body.
Option (4) The head of Brahman holds the force called nature — Incorrect. In the argument, Brahman as a whole is the force called nature. The missing step is about the head being the highest part.
NCERT (2026-27): “4.2 Al-Biruni’s description of the caste system … |