The characteristics of the caste system:-

(A) Caste is an ascribed status.

(B) Caste groups are 'endogamous'.

(C) Caste is an achieved status.

(D) Castes involve segmental organization.

(E) Caste groups are based on choice of individuals

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is (A), (B) and (D) only.

To understand why this option is correct, let us analyze each of the given statements regarding the characteristics of the caste system:

(A) Caste is an ascribed status: This statement is correct. Ascribed status is a social position that is assigned to an individual at birth and is not earned or chosen. In the caste system, a person's caste is determined entirely by the family into which they are born, and it remains fixed throughout their lifetime.

(B) Caste groups are 'endogamous': This statement is correct. Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a specific social group, caste, or ethnic group. The caste system strictly enforces endogamy, meaning individuals are traditionally required to marry partners who belong to the same caste.

(C) Caste is an achieved status: This statement is incorrect. Achieved status is a social position that a person acquires through their own efforts, skills, or choices (like becoming a doctor or manager). Since caste is strictly hereditary and cannot be changed by personal effort, it is not an achieved status.

(D) Castes involve segmental organization: This statement is correct. The caste system divides society into distinct, closed segments (castes and sub-castes) with well-defined boundaries, hierarchical relations, and specific rules regarding social interaction, dining, and occupation.

(E) Caste groups are based on choice of individuals: This statement is incorrect. Membership in a caste is involuntary and hereditary; individuals have no choice or freedom to select or change their caste group.

Therefore, since statements (A), (B), and (D) are correct, the correct option is (A), (B) and (D) only.