Class 12 History Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions – Kinship Caste and Class

1. Answer the following questions in about 100-150 words.

1. Explain why patriliny may have been particularly important among elite families.

Answer: Patriliny, or tracing descent from father to son, was essential among elite families because it ensured the continuity of their dynasty, property and status. Sons could inherit resources including the throne, thus keeping power, wealth, and prestige within the male line. This system reinforced social stability among ruling classes, discouraging division of assets and disputes over succession. In cases where there were no sons, brothers or other male relatives would claim inheritance, maintaining the patrilineal tradition. Elite families placed great emphasis on producing “fine sons” to perpetuate their lineage and secure their authority in society.

2. Discuss whether kings in early states were invariably Kshatriyas.

Answer: Kings in early states were not always Kshatriyas by birth. While the Brahmanical tradition emphasized the ideal of Kshatriyas as rulers, historical evidence suggests otherwise. Buddhist texts mention that power was accessible to those who could garner support and resources, regardless of their varna. The Mauryas, for example, were sometimes described in Brahmanical texts as “low-born,” while the Shungas and Kanvas were Brahmanas, and the Shakas were regarded as outsiders. Thus, entry to kingship was not restricted to Kshatriyas alone.

3. Compare and contrast the dharma or norms mentioned in the stories of Drona, Hidimba and Matanga.

Answer: The stories of Drona, Hidimba, and Matanga reflect differing social norms and concepts of dharma. Drona’s story emphasizes the importance of lineage and learning, with notions of caste and eligibility prominent in his ascension as a revered teacher. In contrast, Hidimba, a rakshasa, and Matanga, born of a lower caste, challenge traditional norms. While Drona represents acceptance within boundaries, Hidimba and Matanga’s stories suggest that dharma could be flexible and challenged the rigid social codes propagated by Brahmanical traditions, highlighting the diversity and evolution of social values in early Indian society.

4. In what ways was the Buddhist theory of a social contract different from the Brahmanical view of society derived from the Purusha sukta?

Answer: The Buddhist theory viewed society’s origin as a social contract, formed due to people’s needs and decisions. According to Buddhist texts, kingship arose to maintain order, and authorities could change as per the people’s will. In contrast, the Brahmanical view in the Purusha sukta describes society as divinely-ordained, arising from the sacrifice of Purusha, and the social order as natural and fixed, with varnas emerging from different parts of Purusha’s body. The Buddhist approach was thus more egalitarian and flexible.

5. The following is an excerpt from the Mahabharata, in which Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava, speaks to Sanjaya, a messenger:

Sanjaya, convey my respectful greetings to all the Brahmanas and the chief priest of the house of Dhritarashtra. I bow respectfully to teacher Drona ... I hold the feet of our preceptor Kripa ... (and) the chief of the Kurus, the great Bhishma. I bow respectfully to the old king (Dhritarashtra). I greet and ask after the health of his son Duryodhana and his younger brother ... Also greet all the young Kuru warriors who are our brothers, sons and grandsons ... Greet above all him, who is to us like father and mother, the wise Vidura (born of a slave woman) ... I bow to the elderly ladies who are known as our mothers. To those who are our wives you say this, “I hope they are well-protected”... Our daughters-in-law born of good families and mothers of children greet on my behalf. Embrace for me those who are our daughters ... The beautiful, fragrant, well-dressed courtesans of ours you should also greet. Greet the slave women and their children, greet the aged, the maimed (and) the helpless ...

Try and identify the criteria used to make this list – in terms of age, gender, kinship ties. Are there any other criteria? For each category, explain why they are placed in a particular position in the list.

Answer: The criteria used in this list include age (elders first), gender (male and female relatives), kinship ties (close kin, extended kin, dependents), and social status (Brahmanas, preceptors, prominent elders). Priority is given to religious figures and elders, followed by close family, then extended and dependent members. This order reflects respect for hierarchy, age, authority, and established societal roles within the family and broader household structure.

6. This is what a famous historian of Indian literature, Maurice Winternitz, wrote about the Mahabharata: “just because the Mahabharata represents more of an entire literature ... and contains so much and so many kinds of things, ... (it) gives(s) us an insight into the most profound depths of the soul of the Indian folk.” Discuss.

Answer: The Mahabharata is regarded as “more of an entire literature” because it contains a vast spectrum of stories, teachings, legends, and philosophical discussions. Its narratives reflect the complexities, moral dilemmas, and societal dynamics of ancient India, providing deep insights into the collective psyche, values, and life of the Indian people. Through its extensive portrayal of human emotions, family, politics, and spirituality, the Mahabharata becomes not just an epic but a window into Indian civilization’s soul.

7. Discuss whether the Mahabharata could have been the work of a single author.

Answer: The Mahabharata, composed over centuries, evolved through oral traditions and successive additions. The vast range of stories, language shifts, and thematic variety strongly suggest multiple contributors from different regions and backgrounds. The existence of numerous versions and interpolations also indicates collective authorship rather than the work of a single individual.

8. How important were gender differences in early societies? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: Gender differences were extremely significant in early societies, influencing inheritance, social roles, and family structure. Males typically inherited property and lineage, while women often had restricted rights. Rituals, marriage practices, and social expectations were tailored to uphold these gender distinctions, consolidating male dominance in both public and family life.

9. Discuss the evidence that suggests that Brahmanical prescriptions about kinship and marriage were not universally followed.

Answer: Several historical records, including Buddhist, Prakrit, and Tamil sources, suggest that while Brahmanical norms were authoritative, they were often questioned or ignored. Social practices varied across regions; for example, matriliny existed alongside patriliny, and women sometimes inherited property or held power, as with Prabhavati Gupta. These variations challenge the universality of Brahmanical rules.

Understanding Kinship, Caste, and Class in Early Societies

This chapter reveals how kinship patterns, caste systems, and social hierarchies shaped ancient Indian societies. Grasping these key themes helps students understand the changes in family structure, marriage rules, and class status from c. 600 BCE – 600 CE.

By exploring the Mahabharata’s social narratives and critical interpretations, students can clarify how elite families managed succession and authority. Focus on the significance of patriliny, exogamy, and the dynamic role of women for better exam preparation.

Regular revision of NCERT exercises and timelines keeps your concepts strong. For Class 12 History, reviewing examples and case studies from this chapter will help you score higher in CBSE 2025-26 exams.