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. The emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of the land.

3. Creation of the lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overload.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

• 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). Hence Statement 2 is Correct.
• The Provincial or local political authority is not weak in the feudal system. Hence Statement 1 is Not Correct.
• 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. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.
  • Originally the Zamindari System was introduced in the pre-colonial period to collect taxes from peasants, and it continued during colonial British rule.