Question

Which one of the following mentioned division of the Mauryan Society into seven classes?
A. Ashoka’s Edicts
B.Indica
C.Kautilya’s Arthashastra
D.Vishnu Purana

Answer 1

Hint:We have to remember that the Indians were divided into seven categories: the wise man (Brahmins), farmers, herdsmen, artisans, soldiers, over lookers and government officials including army and navy officers.

Complete answer:
We have to remember that the description about this division of society is mentioned in the book written by Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador to India. He wrote a book called Indica. The description about seven divisions of Mauryan society is mentioned in Indica.
Megasthenes stayed as Ambassador of Seleukos Nikator. He stayed at Chandragupta Mauryan’s court for several years in around 300.
He wrote in his book that Indian society is divided into seven major categories. People called Brahmins are at the highest level but they are less in number. According to his book, Brahmins were under no necessity to do any bodily labor or any other hard work. Second were farmers. Farmers were the most numerous of Indians. They had no weapons and had no interest in warfare. But they used to work on lands and had to pay taxes to the kings and self-governing cities. The third class of Indians was herdsmen. Their work was to pasture the cattle. They were nomads and used to along the hillside. They also used to pay taxes from their animals. They used to hunt birds and wild animals. The fourth class was of artisans and shopkeepers. They too performed their duty and had to pay taxes. People who used to make weapons were free from taxes and were getting wages from the community. The fifth class was of soldiers. They used to enjoy great freedom and most agreeable life. They were solely devoted to military activities. The sixth class was over-seers. They used to look upon the things going on in the country. They used to report to the kings about different activities of the country. Their seventh class was those who deliberate about public affairs with the king. They used to help the kings while taking important decisions.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: We have to know that the Mauryan dynasty was divided in seven major categories. Every category was pursuing professions accordingly they got assigned. Some categories were running the society by doing hard-work and others were running the society by their wisdom.