Question

Which of the following could be considered as a possible similarity between the caste system in India and the estates system of monarchical France?

• A. Occupations were solely attained by merit.
• B. Social status was determined only by education.
• C. There were no overt effects of the two systems on society.
• D. Compared to a society without the two systems in place, social mobility was limited.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Compared to a society without the two systems in place, social mobility was limited.

The traditional caste system led to the formation of endogamous groups where social mobility became very limited. The society became very stagnant.

Similarly, monarchical France had the estates system in play. Society was divided into three social classes. The first two classes were called the First and Second Estates, respectively. They owned the majority of lands in the country, led a luxurious life, and were exempted from paying taxes. The Third Estate, on the other hand, consisted of the commoners such as agriculturalists, teachers, labourers, and artisans. They were oppressed and lacked political rights. As a result, the Estates-General class system limited the social mobility of French society.