UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies

Question 91: History and Culture

Assertion (A): The origin of feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns. Reason (R): There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period.

aBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Historians trace Indian feudalism to land grants made to officers, priests and chiefs, in part for military service and the winning of territory, so A is accepted. The system also expanded considerably in the Gupta period, with more grants and local lords, so R is accepted as true. But the later expansion does not explain how the system first arose from military campaigns, so R is not the explanation of A.

A. The origin of feudalism is traced to military campaigns and grants.
R. Feudal practices expanded considerably in the Gupta period, but this does not explain A.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) R is true but does not explain the origin of the system, only its later spread.
(b) Right: both are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) R is accepted as true, so it cannot be called false.
(d) A is accepted as true, so it cannot be called false.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.