With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system? 1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority 2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land 3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
Correct Answer
C
3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The correct answer is (B) because feudalism is fundamentally characterized by an administrative structure rooted in land grants and a hierarchical lord-vassal relationship based on personal loyalty and service. Statement 1 is incorrect because feudalism inherently involves political decentralization and the fragmentation of power, resulting in a weak central authority and strong local or provincial lords. This question tests the core concept of the socio-political and economic features of Indian Feudalism during the early medieval period.
Medieval Indian HistoryFeudalism in IndiaFeudal systemcentralized political authorityprovincial political authorityadministrative structurecontrol of landlord-vassal relationshipoverlord