UPSC Prelims 2015 · Question 55 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2015 question on Feudal System Elements
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2015
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectMedieval History
- TopicEarly Medieval India
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?
1. A very strong centralized political authority and very weak provincial or local political authority
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
The answer is 2 and 3 only. Feudalism involves an administrative structure based on land control and a lord and vassal relationship, but not a strong centralised authority.
Analysis
Statement 2 is CORRECT. The essence of a feudal order is that political authority is exercised through the possession and control of land, with revenue rights granted in place of salary. Statement 3 is CORRECT. The lord and vassal bond, in which a subordinate holds land in return for service and allegiance to an overlord, is the defining relationship of the system. Statement 1 is INCORRECT and inverts the concept. Feudalism arises as central authority weakens and local powers strengthen, so a very strong centre with a very weak locality is the opposite of a feudal arrangement.
Source
Scholarly work on the Indian feudal system accessed through the online book reference given in the analysis.
How to crack it
Define the concept in a single sentence before touching the options, because a definition test disposes of an inverted statement instantly. Feudalism means decentralised power exercised through land. Statement 1 asserts centralised power, so it contradicts the definition and cannot be an essential element. Inversion is the commonest way UPSC falsifies a conceptual statement, so read each one asking whether it states the idea or its mirror image.