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Question No. 4Interactive Test Mode
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Q4. 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. The emergence of an administrative structure based on control and possession of the land 3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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. The emergence of an administrative structure based on control and possession of the land
  3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2015 • Medieval History

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 and 3 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is incorrect: Feudalism is characterized by political decentralization and fragmentation of authority, where local lords hold significant political, administrative, and judicial power rather than a strong centralized authority.

Statement 2 is correct: In a feudal structure, administration, status, and economic wealth are directly derived from the control and tenure of land.

Statement 3 is correct: Feudalism is founded upon a hierarchical network of reciprocal obligations, where vassals pledge loyalty, military aid, and service to a superior lord/overlord in return for protection and land fiefs.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Feudalism fundamentally means political decentralization and division of power among local lords. Thus, Statement 1 ('very strong centralized political authority') directly contradicts the core definition of feudalism. Eliminating Statement 1 instantly eliminates options A, D.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015 (Q4)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicMedieval History → Medieval Trade & Economy
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 2 and 3 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2015 Q4

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper I Question 4 (Medieval History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2015 Medieval History (Medieval Trade & Economy) question is Option (B): "2 and 3 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2015 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Medieval History" and micro-topic "Medieval Trade & Economy". You can explore all repeated questions from Medieval Trade & Economy in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Medieval Trade & Economy UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Feudalism fundamentally means political decentralization and division of power among local lords. Thus, Statement 1 ('very strong centralized political authority') directly contradicts the core definition of feudalism. Eliminating Statement 1 instantly eliminates options A, D.

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