UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 14
With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?
- A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
- Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
- Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Feudal systems are characterised by land-linked power and hierarchical lord–vassal ties, rather than uniform, highly centralised authority.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - Feudal arrangements usually feature decentralised or fragmented local power, not the combination stated.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Political and administrative rights are often linked to control or possession of land.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Lord–vassal relations express hierarchical obligations and rights associated with feudal tenure.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1; omits correct statement/item 3.
B: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
C: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 2.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.