Before the arrival of the Muslims, the Subcontinent:

Before the arrival of the Muslims, the Subcontinent: (a) Was drowned in darkness (b) Was divided into social classes (c) Was educationally monopolized by the Brahmins (d) All of the above ✅ Correct Option: (d) All of the above Explanation: Before the arrival of Muslims in the Subcontinent, society was largely characterized by rigid social stratification, educational inequality, and religious dominance of a single class. The caste system divided society into rigid social classes where birth determined one’s occupation, social status, and access to opportunities. Education was not universal; rather, it was monopolized by the Brahmins, who restricted learning to upper castes only. Lower castes and women were almost entirely excluded from formal education. Knowledge was considered sacred and was preserved in Sanskrit, a language inaccessible to the masses. This resulted in intellectual stagnation for large segments of society. From an educational perspective, the system lacked inclusiveness, social mobility, and intellectual freedom. When Muslims arrived, they introduced educational universalism, encouraging learning regardless of caste or class. Therefore, describing the pre-Muslim Subcontinent as socially divided, educationally monopolized, and intellectually stagnant is historically accurate. Hence, “All of the above” is the correct answer. 10 PPSC-Relevant Facts: 1. Caste system dominated pre-Muslim India. 2. Education was restricted to Brahmins. 3. Women had no formal education. 4. Sanskrit was the main medium. 5. Lower castes were denied learning. 6. Knowledge was hereditary. 7. Social mobility was absent. 8. Education lacked universality. 9. Muslims introduced equality in education. 10. Common historical MCQ in PPSC.