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 authority2.Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land3.Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlordSelect the correct answer using the code given below

1. A

   1 and 2 only

   This pairing keeps statement 1, which describes a very strong Centre and weak localities. That is the opposite of feudal fragmentation, so statement 1 is not an essential feudal element. With 1 false, 1 and 2 only cannot be the key.

2. B

   2 and 3 only

   Statement 2 is correct: feudal order is built on control and possession of land as the basis of administration and surplus. Statement 3 is correct: a lord–vassal bond between a lord and his overlord is a defining personal-political tie. Statement 1 is the reverse of feudalism. Hence 2 and 3 only is the official key.

3. C

   3 only

   Statement 3 alone would omit the land-based administrative structure, which is equally essential. Feudalism is not only a personal bond; it is also a land-control system. This option is therefore incomplete and not the key.

4. D

   1, 2 and 3

   All three would require statement 1 to be true. A very strong centralised authority contradicts feudal dispersal of power. This option is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (b) 2 and 3 only. Feudalism rests on land as the source of power and on hierarchical lord–vassal ties. A strong centralised state with weak provinces is a bureaucratic or imperial pattern, not feudal. Statement 1 is therefore out. Options that include 1 or that drop 2 fail the definition used in the question.