Society in Pre-British India | Indian Society and Culture | Sociology Notes

Society in Pre-British India – Short Notes & 50 Q&A

Author: Subrata Majumder, Teacher MA Sociology

📘 Short Notes on Society in Pre-British India

Rural Society: Agrarian-based, village as basic unit, community farming, self-sufficiency.
Caste System: Rigid hierarchy, Varna and Jati divisions, social inequality, untouchability.
Family & Kinship: Joint family system, patriarchal authority, kinship-based occupations.
Economy: Predominantly agricultural, cottage industries, artisans, barter & money economy.
Religion & Culture: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism coexistence, rituals, festivals.
Polity: Kingship, zamindari, feudal lords, village panchayats as local administration.
Education: Gurukuls, Madrasas, temples as centers of learning, Sanskrit, Persian dominance.
Women’s Position: Patriarchal control, child marriage, limited education, purdah among Muslims, Sati in some regions.
Urban Society: Trade centers, bazaars, handicrafts, interaction of diverse communities.
Overall Character: Traditional, static, hierarchy-bound, religiously influenced society before colonial changes.

Q: What was the basic unit of Indian society in pre-British times?
A: Village community.
Q: Which system determined social hierarchy?
A: Caste system.
Q: What type of family system was dominant?
A: Joint family.
Q: Main occupation of people?
A: Agriculture.
Q: What was the role of religion?
A: Guided daily life and social order.
Q: Name one prevalent evil practice.
A: Sati system.
Q: What were centers of education?
A: Gurukuls, Madrasas, temples.
Q: Who held local authority in villages?
A: Panchayats.
Q: Which economic activity supported villages?
A: Cottage industries.
Q: Position of women in society?
A: Subordinate, limited rights.
Q: Name the major religions.
A: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism.
Q: What was urban society known for?
A: Trade and handicrafts.
Q: Which language dominated education?
A: Sanskrit and Persian.
Q: What determined occupation?
A: Caste and kinship.
Q: Who were zamindars?
A: Landlords collecting revenue.
Q: What was barter system?
A: Exchange of goods without money.
Q: Who practiced purdah system?
A: Muslim women and some Hindu upper castes.
Q: Role of festivals?
A: Strengthened community bonding.
Q: Who maintained law in villages?
A: Panchayats and local chiefs.
Q: Nature of society?
A: Traditional and static.