Rural Society, Caste and tribes, Peasant Society MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Rural Society, Caste and tribes, Peasant Society - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - 2 and 4 are correct

Key Points

• Land Ownership and Caste Privilege
  • There is often a close link between land ownership and caste privilege in rural India.
  • Historically, higher castes have had greater access to land and resources, which has perpetuated their economic and social dominance.
• Denial of Land Ownership to Dalit Castes
  • Many Dalit castes were historically denied land ownership.
  • This exclusion enforced their marginalization and economic dependency on higher caste groups.

Additional Information

• Dominant Castes and Caste Hierarchy
  • Dominant castes are not always the highest castes in the caste hierarchy.
  • Dominant castes are those with significant landholding and economic power, which may not necessarily align with their traditional caste status.
  • For example, some dominant castes like the Jats, Kammas, and Patidars are not at the top of the caste hierarchy but hold substantial land and economic power.
• Land Ownership among Brahmins
  • The statement that Brahmins are the largest landowners in most parts of India is incorrect.
  • Brahmins, traditionally being priests and scholars, have not been the main landowning group compared to other dominant agricultural castes.
  • Landownership has traditionally been more associated with castes involved in agriculture rather than those in the scholarly or priestly roles.
• Caste and Class Intersections
  • The relationship between caste and class in rural India is complex and interlinked, with land ownership playing a crucial role in determining both economic status and social standing.
  • Castes that control substantial agricultural land often enjoy both economic wealth and social prestige, contributing to their dominance in rural society.

The correct answer is - Proprietary caste.

Key Points

• Proprietary caste
  • The term proprietary caste refers to large landowners who employ agricultural laborers.
  • They dominate rural society both economically and politically by controlling substantial lands and resources.
  • Their prominent status allows them to influence local governance and sociopolitical dynamics.

Additional Information

• Dominant Castes
  • Dominant castes, often synonymous with proprietary castes, possess economic clout and political influence due to their control over extensive agrarian land.
  • Examples include Jats in Punjab, Kammas in Andhra Pradesh, and Lingayats in Karnataka.
• Agricultural Laborers
  • Agricultural laborers work on the farms owned by proprietary castes, often under terms that reinforce economic disparities.
  • They may face exploitative working conditions and lack security in employment.
• Rural Power Structure
  • The power structure in rural areas is heavily influenced by land ownership, with proprietary castes dictating terms in both social and political spheres.
  • This hierarchical setup often leads to the marginalization of lower caste groups and perpetuates social inequities.

The correct answer is - Begar.

Key Points

• Begar
  • Begar was the practice where members of lower caste groups had to provide free labor to the landlords.
  • This practice was prevalent in some regions of India, particularly among the lower castes who were often bound to serve the dominant landowning groups.
  • The free labor provided was usually in the form of agricultural work or other forms of manual labor.

Additional Information

• Exploitation of Labor
  • The practice of begar was a form of exploitation where lower caste individuals were forced to work without wages, reinforcing social and economic inequalities.
  • It was a means for landlords to extract labor without providing fair compensation, maintaining their dominance in the rural hierarchy.
• Legal Abolition
  • Although practices like begar have been legally abolished in independent India, remnants of such exploitative practices may still persist in some areas.
  • Efforts have been made to ensure the enforcement of labor laws and to protect the rights of marginalized communities.
• Related Terms
  • Zamindari: A land revenue system where landlords (Zamindars) were responsible for collecting and paying land revenue to the colonial government.
  • Jajmani: A system of patron-client relationships in traditional Indian society, particularly in villages, based on reciprocal services among different caste groups.
  • Ryotwari: A land revenue system where individual farmers (ryots) were the landowners and paid taxes directly to the government.

The correct answer is - 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - B, 4 - D

Key Points

• Jat Sikhs - Punjab
  • The Jat Sikhs are the predominant landowning group in Punjab.
  • They control large agricultural lands and have significant economic and political influence in the region.
• Kammas - Andhra Pradesh
  • Kammas are a dominant landholding community in Andhra Pradesh.
  • They are known for their agricultural productivity and substantial landownership.
• Lingayats - Karnataka
  • The Lingayats are a significant landowning group in Karnataka.
  • They play a vital role in the agrarian economy of the state.
• Rajputs - Uttar Pradesh
  • Rajputs are one of the major landowning castes in Uttar Pradesh.
  • They possess considerable agricultural land and exert influence in rural areas.

Additional Information

• Agrarian Structure
  • The term agrarian structure refers to the distribution of landholding in rural areas.
  • It significantly impacts the socioeconomic dynamics and class structure in these regions.
• Class and Social Structure
  • Access to land largely determines one's role in agriculture and their economic status.
  • Medium and large landowners typically have higher incomes, while agricultural laborers and tenants have lower incomes and insecure employment.
• Dominant Castes
  • As coined by sociologist M.N. Srinivas, dominant castes control substantial land and dominate local economic and political spheres.
  • Examples of dominant castes include Jats, Rajputs, Vokkaligas, Lingayats, Kammas, Reddis, and Jat Sikhs across various regions.
• Marginal Farmers and Landless Labourers
  • Most marginal farmers and landless laborers belong to lower caste groups such as SC/STs and OBCs.
  • Historically, dalit castes provided much of the agricultural labor for dominant landowning groups.

The correct answer is - M.S.A. Rao

Key Points

• M.S.A. Rao
  • M.S.A. Rao was a renowned Indian sociologist known for his extensive fieldwork and studies on urbanization and social change.
  • He conducted the field study of the fringe village Shamirpur to investigate the process of urbanization and social change.
  • Rao's work contributed significantly to understanding the dynamics of rural-urban interaction and the social implications of urbanization in India.
  • His research provided valuable insights into how urbanization impacts social structures, cultural practices, and community life.

Additional Information

• S.C. Dube
  • S.C. Dube was a prominent Indian anthropologist and sociologist.
  • He is well-known for his works on Indian society, culture, and tribal studies.
  • Dube conducted significant research on village India and contributed to understanding the complexities of Indian rural life.
• Irawati Karve
  • Irawati Karve was an Indian anthropologist and sociologist.
  • She made substantial contributions to the study of kinship, social organization, and the anthropology of India.
  • Karve's work focused on the social structures and cultural practices of Indian communities.
• A.R. Desai
  • A.R. Desai was a noted Indian sociologist known for his Marxist approach to sociology.
  • He conducted extensive studies on the Indian working class, peasant movements, and the sociology of Indian society.
  • Desai's work emphasized the role of class struggle and economic factors in shaping social change.

The correct answer is - Begar.

Key Points

• Begar
  • Begar was the practice where members of lower caste groups had to provide free labor to the landlords.
  • This practice was prevalent in some regions of India, particularly among the lower castes who were often bound to serve the dominant landowning groups.
  • The free labor provided was usually in the form of agricultural work or other forms of manual labor.

Additional Information

• Exploitation of Labor
  • The practice of begar was a form of exploitation where lower caste individuals were forced to work without wages, reinforcing social and economic inequalities.
  • It was a means for landlords to extract labor without providing fair compensation, maintaining their dominance in the rural hierarchy.
• Legal Abolition
  • Although practices like begar have been legally abolished in independent India, remnants of such exploitative practices may still persist in some areas.
  • Efforts have been made to ensure the enforcement of labor laws and to protect the rights of marginalized communities.
• Related Terms
  • Zamindari: A land revenue system where landlords (Zamindars) were responsible for collecting and paying land revenue to the colonial government.
  • Jajmani: A system of patron-client relationships in traditional Indian society, particularly in villages, based on reciprocal services among different caste groups.
  • Ryotwari: A land revenue system where individual farmers (ryots) were the landowners and paid taxes directly to the government.

The correct answer is - 2 and 4 are correct

Key Points

• Land Ownership and Caste Privilege
  • There is often a close link between land ownership and caste privilege in rural India.
  • Historically, higher castes have had greater access to land and resources, which has perpetuated their economic and social dominance.
• Denial of Land Ownership to Dalit Castes
  • Many Dalit castes were historically denied land ownership.
  • This exclusion enforced their marginalization and economic dependency on higher caste groups.

Additional Information

• Dominant Castes and Caste Hierarchy
  • Dominant castes are not always the highest castes in the caste hierarchy.
  • Dominant castes are those with significant landholding and economic power, which may not necessarily align with their traditional caste status.
  • For example, some dominant castes like the Jats, Kammas, and Patidars are not at the top of the caste hierarchy but hold substantial land and economic power.
• Land Ownership among Brahmins
  • The statement that Brahmins are the largest landowners in most parts of India is incorrect.
  • Brahmins, traditionally being priests and scholars, have not been the main landowning group compared to other dominant agricultural castes.
  • Landownership has traditionally been more associated with castes involved in agriculture rather than those in the scholarly or priestly roles.
• Caste and Class Intersections
  • The relationship between caste and class in rural India is complex and interlinked, with land ownership playing a crucial role in determining both economic status and social standing.
  • Castes that control substantial agricultural land often enjoy both economic wealth and social prestige, contributing to their dominance in rural society.

The correct answer is - Proprietary caste.

Key Points

• Proprietary caste
  • The term proprietary caste refers to large landowners who employ agricultural laborers.
  • They dominate rural society both economically and politically by controlling substantial lands and resources.
  • Their prominent status allows them to influence local governance and sociopolitical dynamics.

Additional Information

• Dominant Castes
  • Dominant castes, often synonymous with proprietary castes, possess economic clout and political influence due to their control over extensive agrarian land.
  • Examples include Jats in Punjab, Kammas in Andhra Pradesh, and Lingayats in Karnataka.
• Agricultural Laborers
  • Agricultural laborers work on the farms owned by proprietary castes, often under terms that reinforce economic disparities.
  • They may face exploitative working conditions and lack security in employment.
• Rural Power Structure
  • The power structure in rural areas is heavily influenced by land ownership, with proprietary castes dictating terms in both social and political spheres.
  • This hierarchical setup often leads to the marginalization of lower caste groups and perpetuates social inequities.

The correct answer is - 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - B, 4 - D

Key Points

• Jat Sikhs - Punjab
  • The Jat Sikhs are the predominant landowning group in Punjab.
  • They control large agricultural lands and have significant economic and political influence in the region.
• Kammas - Andhra Pradesh
  • Kammas are a dominant landholding community in Andhra Pradesh.
  • They are known for their agricultural productivity and substantial landownership.
• Lingayats - Karnataka
  • The Lingayats are a significant landowning group in Karnataka.
  • They play a vital role in the agrarian economy of the state.
• Rajputs - Uttar Pradesh
  • Rajputs are one of the major landowning castes in Uttar Pradesh.
  • They possess considerable agricultural land and exert influence in rural areas.

Additional Information

• Agrarian Structure
  • The term agrarian structure refers to the distribution of landholding in rural areas.
  • It significantly impacts the socioeconomic dynamics and class structure in these regions.
• Class and Social Structure
  • Access to land largely determines one's role in agriculture and their economic status.
  • Medium and large landowners typically have higher incomes, while agricultural laborers and tenants have lower incomes and insecure employment.
• Dominant Castes
  • As coined by sociologist M.N. Srinivas, dominant castes control substantial land and dominate local economic and political spheres.
  • Examples of dominant castes include Jats, Rajputs, Vokkaligas, Lingayats, Kammas, Reddis, and Jat Sikhs across various regions.
• Marginal Farmers and Landless Labourers
  • Most marginal farmers and landless laborers belong to lower caste groups such as SC/STs and OBCs.
  • Historically, dalit castes provided much of the agricultural labor for dominant landowning groups.

The correct answer is - 'Peasant Society and Culture'.

Key Points

• Robert Redfield, a leading figure in anthropology, introduced the concepts of "Little Tradition" and "Great Tradition" in 'Peasant Society and Culture'.
• These concepts are used to analyze and describe the dichotomy and interaction between the local, often rural, cultures of societies (Little Traditions).
• The more universal, often urban, cultural and religious systems that are part of a civilization's great heritage (Great Tradition).
• Redfield's study highlighted how these two traditions coexist, interact, and influence each other within societies, providing a framework for understanding cultural dynamics in complex societies, especially in the context of modernization and change.

Additional Information'The Folk Culture of Yucatan':

• In this work, Redfield explored the cultural life of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
• Redfield conducted detailed ethnographic research to understand the complexities of Mexican rural life and culture.
• His observations in such contexts allowed him to conceptualize and later formalize the notions of Little and Great Traditions.
• Redfield's work in Yucatan and other regions played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of cultural dynamics, illustrating the interplay between the more localized, community-based traditions and broader civilizational influences.

The correct answer is - Rural-urbanization

Key Points

• Rural-urbanization
  • Ghurye used the term "rural-urbanization" to describe the organic process of urban development within rural areas in India.
  • He emphasized that urban centers emerged from within rural regions, driven by agricultural needs and market demands.
  • This concept highlights the indigenous growth of urbanism, contrasting with the externally influenced urbanization during colonial times.

Additional Information

• Conurbation
  • Refers to an extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city.
  • It is not specifically related to the concept Ghurye described.
• Rural-industrialization
  • Refers to the development of industrial activities in rural areas.
  • While relevant to development, it does not capture the specific urbanization process within rural contexts as Ghurye described.
• Urbanization
  • A general term for the process of becoming urban.
  • It lacks the specific nuance of Ghurye's concept of rural areas evolving organically into urban centers through internal dynamics.

The correct answer - It was a non-violent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi against the exploitation of peasants by British planters in Bihar.

Key PointsThe Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• One of the first significant peasant movements, it was led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran district of Bihar.
• This movement aimed at addressing the exploitative cultivation system imposed by British planters, who forced peasants to grow indigo under oppressive conditions.
• The main issue was the Tinkathia system, under which peasants were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20th (or 15%) of their land for the British planters under exploitative conditions, despite declining indigo prices and demand.
• The successful non-violent struggle led to the alleviation of the peasants' plight and marked Gandhi's emergence as a national leader.

Additional InformationThe Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

• Following the success in Champaran, Gandhi led another satyagraha in Kheda, Gujarat.
• The peasants of Kheda were suffering from crop failures and a plague epidemic; yet, the British government refused to exempt them from paying taxes.
• The movement demanded tax relief for farmers, and after a non-cooperation campaign, the British government relaxed the tax collection and restored the peasants' lands.

• Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Bardoli Satyagraha was a no-tax campaign in protest against the increased land revenue assessments in Bardoli taluka, Gujarat.
• The successful movement led to the return of confiscated lands and properties to the peasants, and Patel earned the title "Sardar" (chief) from this movement.

• This was a peasant revolt against the feudal lords (zamindars) and the princely state of Hyderabad, led by the Communist Party of India.
• It aimed at land redistribution and the abolition of bonded labor.
• The movement was part of a broader struggle that eventually led to significant land reforms in independent India.

The correct answer is - (3) Protected mercantile towns, which emerged as important centres of trade

Key Points

• Definition of Erivirapattanas:
  • 'Erivirapattanas' were towns specifically designated for mercantile activities.
  • These towns were strategically located to facilitate trade and were often well-fortified to protect merchants and their goods.
• Features of Erivirapattanas:
  • These towns had robust infrastructure, including warehouses, markets, and secure trading hubs.
  • They played a vital role in regional and long-distance trade, acting as points of convergence for traders from various parts of the country and beyond.
• Economic Significance:
  • Erivirapattanas boosted the economy by supporting local artisans, traders, and businessmen.
  • They were centers for the collection, distribution, and trade of goods such as textiles, spices, and other commodities.
• Protection and Fortification:
  • The strategic fortification of these towns ensured the safety of merchants, reducing risks associated with trade such as theft and conflict.
  • Protected status encouraged traders to settle and invest in these towns, further stimulating economic activity and growth.

Additional Information

• Impact on Trade:
  • Erivirapattanas significantly contributed to the Chola Empire's reputation as a commercial powerhouse in South India.
  • They facilitated both inland and maritime trade, connecting the empire to international trading networks, including those in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Legacy:
  • The concept of protected mercantile towns influenced later periods and regions, setting a precedent for safe and thriving trading environments.
  • Erivirapattanas demonstrated the importance of strategic urban planning in enhancing trade efficiency and economic stability.

The correct answer is - 'Peasant Society and Culture'.

Key Points

• Robert Redfield, a leading figure in anthropology, introduced the concepts of "Little Tradition" and "Great Tradition" in 'Peasant Society and Culture'.
• These concepts are used to analyze and describe the dichotomy and interaction between the local, often rural, cultures of societies (Little Traditions).
• The more universal, often urban, cultural and religious systems that are part of a civilization's great heritage (Great Tradition).
• Redfield's study highlighted how these two traditions coexist, interact, and influence each other within societies, providing a framework for understanding cultural dynamics in complex societies, especially in the context of modernization and change.

Additional Information'The Folk Culture of Yucatan':

• In this work, Redfield explored the cultural life of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
• Redfield conducted detailed ethnographic research to understand the complexities of Mexican rural life and culture.
• His observations in such contexts allowed him to conceptualize and later formalize the notions of Little and Great Traditions.
• Redfield's work in Yucatan and other regions played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of cultural dynamics, illustrating the interplay between the more localized, community-based traditions and broader civilizational influences.

The correct answer is - It primarily focused on increasing crop yields through the use of high-yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation.

Key PointsGreen Revolution in India:

• High-Yielding Variety Seeds: Introduced genetically designed seeds for higher grain output, particularly in wheat and rice.
• Chemical Inputs: Relied heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to support rapid crop growth and high yields.
• Irrigation Expansion: Invested in enhancing irrigation to ensure water availability for the high-demand HYV crops.
• Increased Production: Markedly boosted food grain production, achieving food self-sufficiency for India in key staples.
• Socio-Economic Disparities: Benefited resource-rich farmers the most, while smallholders often faced increased debt due to the high costs of inputs.
• Environmental Impact: Prompted concerns over soil degradation, water table depletion, and biodiversity loss due to intensive farming and monoculture practices.