Question

The meaning of the word 'dwija' is:

• A. Twice defeated caste
• B. Twice born caste
• C. O.B.C.s
• D. Dalits (S.Cs)

Hint:

Recall the literal meaning of the term 'dwija' in the varna system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the question:
The question asks for the literal/traditional meaning of the term 'dwija' used in the varna system.

Step 2: Key concept:
'Dwija' literally means 'twice-born.' In traditional Hindu social classification, the upper three varnas, Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya, are called dwija because male members undergo the upanayana (sacred thread) ceremony, treated as a symbolic 'second birth' into full ritual and social status.

Step 3: Why other options are wrong:
It has nothing to do with defeat; O.B.C.s and Dalits/S.Cs are modern administrative/reservation categories, not the traditional referent of 'dwija', which specifically denotes the upper, ritually 'twice-born' varnas.

Final Answer:
Twice born caste (option ii).