Which of the following may be regarded as major causes of the decline of the…

Concept

A rigid caste system is sustained by inherited status, social separation, and unequal access to rights and opportunities. It weakens when legal equality, reform movements, economic mobility, and education jointly reduce those barriers.

Application

• The Constitution establishes equality before law, prohibits caste-based discrimination and untouchability, and supports corrective measures.

• Social reform movements challenge inherited hierarchy, while economic development and occupational mobility loosen traditional caste-linked roles.

• Literacy and education broaden awareness, opportunities, and social interaction, which can weaken rigid hereditary restrictions.

Contrast

• The Constitution and its basic structure identify an important legal and institutional influence, but they are not the only influence listed.

• Social reforms and economic development identify important social and material influences, but they are not the only influence listed.

• Growth of literacy and education identifies an important educational influence, but it is not the only influence listed.

• More than one of the above recognizes that several listed influences operate together.

• None of the above rejects all the listed influences, although constitutional equality, social reform and economic development, and literacy and education each describe a recognized mechanism of social change.

Result

Therefore, the best-supported answer among the offered choices is “More than one of the above.”