History · Negotiating the Sources
UGC NET December 2023 History
Which one of the following duties of the Brahmanas is incorrect as enumerated by Kautilya in his Arthashastra?
AAdhyapana (teaching)
BPratigraha (accepting gifts)
CDana (making gifts)
DBhutarakshana (protection of living beings) ✓ Correct
Correct answer: (D) Bhutarakshana (protection of living beings) — The answer is Bhutarakshana, which was the duty of the Kshatriyas, not the Brahmanas.
Explanation
★The answer is Bhutarakshana, which was the duty of the Kshatriyas, not the Brahmanas.
★According to the Arthashastra, the Brahmana's duties were teaching, accepting and giving gifts and sacrifice.
★Self-study, performing and conducting sacrifices were also Brahmana duties.
★The Kshatriya's duties were study, sacrifice, giving gifts, living by arms and protecting creatures.
★So the protection of living beings belonged to the Kshatriya order.
★Hence Bhutarakshana is wrongly listed among Brahmana duties.
Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.
Shared by Mcqkart · via Mcqkart.in