With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential elementary elements of the feudal system?
1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority.
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land.
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord.
Select the correct Answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

To understand why this is the correct answer, let us analyze each of the given statements in the context of the feudal system as it developed in Indian history:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: The feudal system is characterized by a decentralized political authority rather than a strong centralized one. In a classic feudal structure, the central monarch or ruler holds nominal supreme power, but the actual administrative, fiscal, and military powers are fragmented and distributed among local lords or vassals who manage their own territories. Therefore, the assertion of a "very strong centralized political authority" contradicts the core concept of feudalism.

2. Statement 2 is correct: A defining feature of feudalism is the emergence of an administrative structure centered around the control, distribution, and possession of land. Instead of cash salaries, administrative and military officers were often granted land revenues or direct control over land (fiefs) in return for their services to the state or king.

3. Statement 3 is correct: The creation of a lord-vassal relationship is an essential socio-political element of the feudal system. This relationship was based on mutual obligations: the vassal (feudal lord) swore allegiance, loyalty, and military service to the overlord, and in return, the overlord provided protection and land rights to the vassal.

Thus, statements 2 and 3 are the essential elements of the feudal system, making "2 and 3 only" the correct choice.