CAPF AC 2020 Q53: Ancient History – Vedic Period
Which of the following are prescribed as the duties of Vaishyas according to the Dharmashastras?
1. Studying the Vedas
2. Engaging in trade
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Duties of the four varnas in the Dharmashastras
How to think: the first three varnas were all called twice-born.
All three could study the Vedas.
Only the Brahmanas could teach them.
| Varna | Duties laid down |
|---|---|
| Brahmanas | Study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices, give and receive gifts |
| Kshatriyas | Warfare, protect people, give justice, study the Vedas, get sacrifices done, give gifts |
| Vaishyas | Study the Vedas, get sacrifices done, give gifts, plus agriculture, pastoralism and trade |
| Shudras | Serve the three higher varnas |
The statements checked:
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Studying the Vedas | Correct for Vaishyas |
| 2. Engaging in trade | Correct for Vaishyas |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Studying the Vedas is right, but trade was also a duty of Vaishyas.
- (b) Incorrect. Trade is right, but Vaishyas were also expected to study the Vedas.
- (c) CORRECT. Vaishyas were to study the Vedas and engage in trade, farming and herding.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are prescribed duties of Vaishyas.
Key point
Vaishyas: study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed, give gifts; occupations were agriculture, pastoralism and trade. Only Brahmanas could teach the Vedas.
Remember
Vaishyas: study Vedas + farming, herding, trade.
Common mistakes
- Thinking only Brahmanas could study the Vedas; they alone could teach, but three varnas could study.
- Limiting Vaishyas to trade and forgetting agriculture and pastoralism.
- Confusing the duties in the texts with what people actually did.
Exam tip
Study for three, teach for one. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas study; only Brahmanas teach.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part I, Theme 3: Kinship, Caste and Class
- Manusmriti (translated by Patrick Olivelle, Oxford University Press, 2005)