With reference to the Al-Biruni’s description of the caste system in 11th century India, consider the following statements:
1. He compared the caste system in India to the social categorisation of Ancient Persia.
2. He accepted the Brahmanical description of the caste system.
3. He disapproved of the notion of pollution due to caste exogamy.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

With reference to the Al-Biruni&rsquo;s description of the caste system in 11th century India, consider the following statements:
1. He compared the caste system in India to the social categorisation of Ancient Persia.
2. He accepted the Brahmanical description of the caste system.
3. He disapproved of the notion of pollution due to caste exogamy.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Al-Biruni "tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies. He noted that in ancient Persia, four social categories were recognised" knights and princes; monks, fire-priests, and lawyers; physicians and scientists; peasants and artisans.

Thus, he compared the Indian caste system with social categorization in ancient Persia.

Statement 2 is correct: Despite recognizing barriers like language and differences in religious practices, "Al-Biruni depended almost exclusively on the works of Brahmanas, often citing passages from the Vedas, the Puranas, the Bhagavad Gita, the works of Patanjali, the Manusmriti, etc., to provide an understanding of Indian society." This shows that he accepted the Brahmanical description of the caste system as his primary source.

Statement 3 is correct: In spite of his acceptance of the Brahmanical description of the caste system, Al-Biruni disapproved of the notion of pollution. He remarked that everything which falls into a state of impurity strives and succeeds in regaining its original condition of purity. The sun cleanses the air, and the salt in the sea prevents the water from becoming polluted.

Ancient India

Al-Biruni's description of the caste system in 11th century India

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With reference to the Al-Biruni’s description of the caste system in 11th century India, consider the following statements: 1. He compared the caste system in India to the social categorisation of Ancient Persia. 2. He accepted the Brahmanical description of the caste system. 3. He disapproved of the notion of pollution due to caste exogamy. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3