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Difficulty: EasyBelief Systems and Social Structures in South and Southeast Asia

Source: Excerpt from *Tarikh al-Hind* (*Description of India*) by the Persian scholar Al-Biruni, circa 1030 CE:

'The Hindus call their castes *varna*, i.e. colors, and from a genealogical point of view they call them *jāt*... The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell that they were created from the head of Brahman... The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman.'

The social structure described in the passage is most directly associated with which of the following systems of belief or organization?

  1. HinduismAnswer
  2. B
    Sikhism
  3. C
    Feudalism
  4. D
    Neo-Confucianism

Answer

Hinduism
The correct answer is Hinduism. The passage details the four-tiered varna system (specifically mentioning Brahmanas and Kshatriyas) and references Brahman, which directly aligns with traditional Hindu social hierarchies and religious beliefs regarding the cosmos and society.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the stimulus for key historical terms and concepts.
The stimulus mentions 'castes,' 'varna,' 'jāt,' 'Brahmana,' 'Kshatriya,' and 'Brahman.'
Identifying these terms provides the direct context for the social hierarchy being described.
2
Associate the identified social hierarchy with its corresponding belief system.
The divisions of society into varnas (such as Brahmana and Kshatriya) derived from a creator deity (Brahman) are fundamental components of traditional Hindu social structures in South Asia.
This links the historical description directly to the correct religious or social system.

Key Concept

Hindu social structures, specifically the caste system (varna and jati), and their justification through religious texts.
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Topics

Belief Systems and Social Structures in South and Southeast Asia

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