Consider the following statements with reference to the

Solution

● Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian agriculture during the 18th century was technically backward and stagnant. The techniques of production had remained stationary for centuries. The peasants tried to make up for technical backwardness by working very hard. But, unfortunately, they seldom reaped the fruits of their labor. ● Statement 2 is correct: Caste was a major divisive force and element of disintegration in India of the 18th century. Apart from the four varnas, Hindus were divided into numerous castes (Jatis). Inter-caste marriages were forbidden. There were restrictions on interdining among members of different castes. The Shia and Sunni (two sects of Muslim religion) nobles were sometimes at loggerheads on account of their religious differences.