Question

Why did many people not accept the system of varna laid down by the priests?

• A. Some kings thought they were superior to priests.
• B. Some believed that birth could not decide their varna.
• C. Some believed that there should be no differences based on occupation.
• D. Some believed that everyone should be able to perform rituals.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)

Many people did not accept the system of varna laid down by the brahmins. Some kings thought they were superior to the priests. Others felt that birth could not be a basis for deciding which varna people belonged to. Besides, some people felt that there should be no differences amongst people based on occupation. Others felt that everybody should be able to perform rituals. And others condemned the practice of untouchability. Also, there were many areas in the subcontinent, such as the north-east, where social and economic differences were not very sharp, and where the influence of the priests was limited.