Source-Based Questions with Answers
CBSE Class 12 – History
Part II: Themes in Indian History – Part II
Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class – Early Societies
Board: CBSE Board Examinations
I. Kinship and Family Organisation
“Families were usually patriarchal, and descent was traced through the male line.”
Q1. What kind of family system is described in this source?
The source describes a patriarchal family system.
Q2. How did this system affect inheritance?
Inheritance was passed mainly through male members, reinforcing male dominance.
“Kinship ties extended beyond the family to clans and lineages.”
Q3. What are clans and lineages?
They are extended kin groups tracing descent from a common ancestor.
Q4. Why were such ties important?
They helped in forming political alliances and determining succession.
II. Marriage and Inheritance
“Endogamy became important to maintain the purity of caste and lineage.”
Q5. What does endogamy mean?
Endogamy means marrying within the same caste or social group.
Q6. Why was endogamy emphasised?
It helped maintain caste hierarchy and control over property and lineage.
“Women were given gifts at marriage, known as stridhana.”
Q7. What was stridhana?
Stridhana was property or gifts given to women at the time of marriage.
Q8. Did stridhana give women equal inheritance rights?
No, women still had limited inheritance rights compared to men.
III. Varna and Caste Hierarchy
“Society was divided into four varnas, each with specific duties.”
Q9. Name the four varnas.
Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
Q10. Was this division followed strictly in practice?
No, actual social practices were more complex than textual ideals.
“Jatis were numerous and based on occupation and birth.”
Q11. What is jati?
Jati refers to caste groups determined by birth and occupation.
Q12. How did jati affect daily life?
It regulated occupation, marriage, food habits, and social interaction.
IV. Gender Roles and Patriarchy
“Women were expected to be obedient, devoted wives.”
Q13. What ideal image of women is shown here?
Women were idealised as obedient and devoted to their husbands.
Q14. What does this reveal about patriarchy?
It shows male dominance and limited autonomy for women.
V. Slavery and Social Inequality
“Slaves could be war captives or people forced into servitude due to poverty.”
Q15. Who could become slaves?
War captives, debtors, and the poor could become slaves.
Q16. What type of work did slaves perform?
They performed domestic and agricultural labour.
VI. The Mahabharata as a Source
“The Mahabharata reflects debates on kinship, duty, and social norms.”
Q17. What does the Mahabharata reveal about society?
It reveals social conflicts, kinship relations, and moral dilemmas.
Q18. Why must historians read this epic critically?
Because it reflects ideals and debates, not a single historical reality.