Question

Match List - I with List - II.

List - I (Professions of Ancient India)		List - II (Works)
A.	Khura-Karma	I.	The science of Charioteering
B.	Sarthavaha	II.	Writing
C.	Rupam	III.	Money-changing
D.	Lekham	IV.	The art of shaving

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. \( \text{A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II} \)
• B. \( \text{A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II} \)
• C. \( \text{A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II} \)
• D. \( \text{A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV} \)

Hint:

Important ancient occupational terms:
• Khura-Karma \(\rightarrow\) Barber/Shaving
• Lekham \(\rightarrow\) Writing
• Sarthavaha \(\rightarrow\) Merchant caravan leader
• Panyadhyaksha \(\rightarrow\) Commerce officer Ancient Indian profession-based terminology is frequently asked in history examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Ancient Indian society had a highly specialized occupational structure. Various professions and technical skills were identified with specific Sanskrit terms. These occupations are mentioned in literary texts, inscriptions, Buddhist literature, Jain texts, and administrative works such as Kautilya’s Arthashastra. To solve this matching question correctly, we must carefully identify the meaning of each ancient occupational term and connect it with its corresponding profession or work.

Step 1: Understanding the meaning of Khura-Karma. The term “Khura” refers to razor or shaving instruments. Thus, Khura-Karma means:
• Barber’s profession,
• The work related to shaving,
• Grooming activity. Therefore: \[ A \rightarrow IV \] Hence, Khura-Karma corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{The art of shaving}} \]

Step 2: Understanding the meaning of Sarthavaha. The word “Sartha” means caravan, while “Vaha” means leader or carrier. A Sarthavaha was:
• A caravan leader,
• Merchant organizer,
• Trader handling commercial exchange and money-related transactions. Such merchants were deeply connected with trade and exchange systems including money-changing activities. Thus: \[ B \rightarrow III \] Hence, Sarthavaha corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Money-changing}} \]

Step 3: Understanding the meaning of Rupam. The word “Rupam” is associated with form, symbols, and technical designs. In the context of professions and technical arts, it is connected with organized mechanical and transportation sciences. Therefore: \[ C \rightarrow I \] Hence, Rupam corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{The science of Charioteering}} \]

Step 4: Understanding the meaning of Lekham. The Sanskrit word “Lekha” means writing or script. Thus, Lekham directly refers to:
• Writing,
• Documentation,
• Record keeping. Hence: \[ D \rightarrow II \] Therefore, Lekham corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Writing}} \]

Step 5: Constructing the final matching sequence. Combining all correct matches: \[ A-IV,\quad B-III,\quad C-I,\quad D-II \] This corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]

Step 6: Why the other options are incorrect. Option (A): Incorrect because Sarthavaha does not correspond to the art of shaving. Option (B): Incorrect because Sarthavaha is not associated with charioteering. Option (D): Incorrect because Rupam does not refer to writing and Lekham cannot represent shaving. Therefore, all other options are incorrect.