Q1. The tendency of lower caste people to improve their living standard and status by imitating the upper class people is known as
(a) Assimilation
(b) Sanskritisation
(c) Urbanisation
(d) Acculturisation
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (b) Sanskritisation
Explanation: Sanskritisation is a sociological concept introduced by M. N. Srinivas, describing how lower caste groups adopt customs, rituals, and lifestyles of upper castes to elevate their social status. It reflects social mobility through cultural imitation.
Q2. Major difference between ‘Varna’ and ‘Jati’, is that
(a) Jatis are limited whereas Varnas are unlimited
(b) Jatis are only four whereas Varnas are many
(c) Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many
(d) Jati is decided by birth but not Varna
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many
Explanation: Varna refers to the four broad social categories in ancient Hindu society: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. Jati, on the other hand, refers to numerous sub-castes based on occupation, region, and lineage, making it more diverse and numerous.
Q3. Who had founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 ?
(a) Lord Clive
(b) Lord Warren Hastings
(c) Queen Victoria
(d) William Jones
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) William Jones
Explanation: Sir William Jones, a British jurist and linguist, founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 to promote the study of Oriental literature, history, and culture. It became a hub for scholarly research in colonial India.
Q4. Constitution does not recognise the caste system because
(a) India is secular
(b) It leads to inequality which is against the Constitution
(c) It leads to untouchability
(d) All of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: The Indian Constitution promotes equality and secularism, and explicitly prohibits untouchability and caste-based discrimination. Therefore, all listed reasons are valid, making option (d) correct.