Assertion (A): The early medieval period possessed some critical features of feudalism, but it significantly differed from European feudalism.
Reason (R): The early medieval South India was a period of urban growth as is evidenced by the flourishing crafts, trade, trade guilds and urban centres.
In the context of the above two statements, which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Solution:Difference between early medieval feudalism and European Feudalism: post mauryan feudalism was based on a caste system which divided society in 4 varnas Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras whereas the European feudalism divided the society into church, nobility and the commoners.
Unlike the European system most of the power structures within the state did not have to pay taxes. Western European feudal lords granted lands to their serfs in order to get their own land cultivated, but Indian kings made grants to collect taxes and surplus.