With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the es

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.

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2015

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Statement 1 is incorrect. Feudalism, whether in the European context or as applied to Indian history (the concept of ‘Indian feudalism’ is debated but used by many historians), is characterized by political decentralization and a *weak* central authority, with power dispersed among regional lords. A very strong centralized authority is antithetical to the concept of feudalism.
Statement 2 is correct. A core element of feudalism is the intertwining of administrative power and landholding. Power structures emerge based on the control and possession of land, often granted by rulers in exchange for service (military, administrative).
Statement 3 is correct. The creation of a hierarchical relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal (or between different levels of lords, including an overlord) is a defining feature of the feudal system. This relationship involves mutual obligations, often centered around land grants and military service.
Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are considered essential elements of the feudal system as debated and described in the context of Indian history by scholars like R.S. Sharma.

– Feudalism involves political decentralization and weak central power.
– Control over land forms the basis of political and administrative power.
– Hierarchical relationships (lord-vassal) based on grants and obligations are characteristic.

The concept of ‘Indian Feudalism’ was prominently put forward by historian R.S. Sharma, who argued for the emergence of this system from the Gupta period onwards, marked by land grants to Brahmins, temples, and later to officials and military personnel, leading to the rise of intermediaries and decentralized polities. Other historians have debated the applicability of the term ‘feudalism’ to the Indian context, suggesting terms like ‘segmentary state’ or ‘integrated polity’.

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