Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Megasthenes has given a graphic account of the caste system of ancient Indian society. Reason (R): He enumerates eight classes or castes into which the whole population of India is divided. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Important foreign visitors:
• Megasthenes → Indica → Mauryan India
• Fa-Hien → Gupta period
• Hiuen Tsang → Harsha period Megasthenes described seven social divisions in Indian society.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nikator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote a book called Indica, which contains valuable information about:
• Mauryan administration,
• Indian society,
• economy,
• and social divisions. His observations are among the most important foreign accounts of ancient India.

Step 1: Understanding Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states: \[ \text{Megasthenes has given a graphic account of the caste system of ancient Indian society.} \] This statement is correct because:
• Megasthenes described Indian society in detail,
• he explained social divisions and occupations,
• and his work provides information about the structure of ancient Indian society. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Understanding Reason (R). Reason (R) states: \[ \text{He enumerates eight classes or castes into which the whole population of India is divided.} \] This statement is incorrect. Megasthenes actually described seven social divisions or classes, not eight. These included groups such as:
• philosophers,
• farmers,
• soldiers,
• herdsmen,
• artisans,
• magistrates,
• and councillors. Thus, the statement mentioning eight classes is wrong.

Step 3: Evaluating the relationship between Assertion and Reason. Since:
• Assertion (A) is correct,
• but Reason (R) is incorrect, the correct option must state: \[ \text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct} \]

Step 4: Historical significance of Megasthenes’ account. Megasthenes’ Indica is historically important because it provides:
• information about Mauryan society,
• administrative organization,
• urban life,
• and social practices. Although some of his observations contained inaccuracies, historians still consider his account highly valuable.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect because Megasthenes described seven classes, not eight. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct}} \]