Question

Between the eighth and fourteenth centuries, which of the following terms was applied generally to the members of the Kshatriya varna? a) Sikh b) Maratha c) Rajput d) Kayastha​

Answer 1

Answer:

Castes and sub-castes

Castes: Rajputs were a group of people who became popular during this time. The name Rajput is derived from Rajputra which means son of the ruler. The term was applied more generally to a group of warriors during the period between the eighth century and the fourteenth century. These groups of warriors claimed the Kshatriya status. The term Kshatriya included, apart from rulers and chieftains, the soldiers and commanders who served in the armies of different monarchs all over the subcontinent. Qualities attributed to Rajputs by their poets were extreme valour and a great sense of loyalty.

Other groups which used the opportunities of the period for becoming politically relevant were Jats, Marathas, Sikhs, Ahoms and Kayasthas (a caste of scribes and secretaries).

Sub-castes: This period was marked by the migration of forest-dwellers due to a change in their habitat. This change in habitat was due to the clearing of forests and extension of agriculture at