Final answer:
The Indian caste system, originating in Hindu scriptures, functioned as a political institution by deciding social status, occupation, and societal roles based on individuals' castes. This predetermined structure distributed power, roles, and responsibilities in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Indian caste system served as a political institution in a sense that it dictated a person's social status, work, and role in society.
The caste system, which has its roots in the Hindu scriptures, was rigid and hereditary; an individual's caste was determined at birth and largely decided their future opportunities, including their profession and their standing in the societal hierarchy.
For instance, the Brahmins, who were at the top of the caste hierarchy, typically held positions of religious and educational authority. Conversely, the Shudras, who were at the bottom of the hierarchy, commonly labored in less prestigious roles, such as those related to manual labor.
Hence, the caste system, to an extent, dictated the distribution of power, roles, and responsibilities in the society, thereby serving as a quasi-political institution.
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