Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 and 3 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 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.
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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