Q. 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. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
  3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Notes:
  • Feudalism is a political system of power dispersed and balanced between king and nobles.
  • Broadly defined, it was a way of structuring society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour (lord-vassal relationship).
  • The Provincial or local political authority is not weak in the feudal system.
  • Generally, feudalism has been regarded as the fabric of medieval society, and the stage of social and economic development that preceded Capitalism.
  • As such, feudalism provided stability within societies, restoring public order and strengthening the monarchy.
  • The Zamindari system is often referred to as a feudal-like system.
    • It involves an administrative structure based on control and possession of the land.
    • Originally the Zamindari System was introduced in the pre-colonial period to collect taxes from peasants, and it continued during colonial British rule.