In the context of medieval India, who were referred to as ‘Antyaja’?
(a) Communities considered outside the caste system.
(b) The highest caste groups in society, who performed religious duties.
(c) Wealthy merchant groups engaged in long-distance trade and economic exchanges across regions.
(d) Royal officials and nobles who enjoyed political power and land revenue rights.

Question

In the context of medieval India, who were referred to as &lsquo;Antyaja&rsquo;?
(a) Communities considered outside the caste system.
(b) The highest caste groups in society, who performed religious duties.
(c) Wealthy merchant groups engaged in long-distance trade and economic exchanges across regions.
(d) Royal officials and nobles who enjoyed political power and land revenue rights.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

In medieval India, the term &lsquo;Antyaja&rsquo; was used for people who were considered outside the main caste system. They were often given the lowest place in society and made to do tasks like cleaning, leatherwork, or handling funerals &mdash; jobs that others looked down upon. Though they were part of the society&rsquo;s economy, they faced a lot of disrespect and unfair treatment in daily life.

Medieval India

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E Question 1	⏱ 0
In the context of medieval India, who were referred to as ‘Antyaja’? (a) Communities considered outside the caste system. (b) The highest caste groups in society, who performed religious duties. (c) Wealthy merchant groups engaged in long-distance trade and economic exchanges across regions. (d) Royal officials and nobles who enjoyed political power and land revenue rights.