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Which of the following are prescribed as the duties of Vaishyas according to the Dharmashastras ? 1. Studying the Vedas 2. Engaging in trade Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
According to the Dharmashastras and Dharmasutras, the four varnas were assigned specific ideal occupations. The Brahmanas were primarily responsible for studying and teaching the Vedas [1]. The Kshatriyas were tasked with protection, administration, and warfare, but they were also explicitly required to study the Vedas and perform sacrifices [1]. The Vaishyas, as the third varna, were assigned the duties of agriculture, pastoralism, and trade to increase society's wealth [2]. Crucially, the Dharmashastras prescribed that the first three varnas (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas) shared certain common duties, which included studying the Vedas, getting sacrifices performed, and making gifts [1]. Therefore, both studying the Vedas and engaging in trade were prescribed duties for a Vaishya under the Brahmanical framework. In contrast, Shudras were restricted to the single occupation of serving the three higher varnas [1].
Sources
- [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > 3.1 The "right" occupation > p. 61
- [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: New Beginnings: Cities and States > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 76