With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential elementary elements of the feudal system? 1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority 2. The emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of the land 3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Question

GSHardPrelims 2015Ancient History

With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential elementary elements of the feudal system?

A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
The emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of the land
Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: A strong central authority is not a defining characteristic of the feudal system. In fact, a weak central government with power dispersed among regional lords is more typical.

Statement 2 is Correct: Land ownership and control were fundamental aspects of the feudal system in India. Powerful landowners (Zamindars, Jagirdars etc.) gained control over vast territories and the peasantry who worked on them.

Statement 3 is Correct: A hierarchical structure with lords granting land to vassals in exchange for military service, taxes, and loyalty was a core principle of the feudal system.

While the Indian feudal system had some unique characteristics, these two elements - land control and the lord-vassal relationship - formed the backbone of the system.

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