According to Alberuni’s Kitab-ul-Hind (or Tahqiq-i-Hind) in the 11th century, the Antyaj (classes below the Chaturvarna as Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) included both categories. They encompassed laborers and craftsmen involved in ‘unclean’ trades like washermen, cobblers, weavers, and shield-makers (Option A). They also included those involved in fishing and hunting, such as sailors, fishermen, and hunters (Option B). ANSWER: (C) Both a and b
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In his 11th-century work Kitab-ul-Hind, the scholar Alberuni categorized the Antyaj as the lowest social groups, positioned beneath the four main Varnas. These individuals performed tasks considered impure by the higher castes. His list explicitly included both the occupations mentioned in Option A (washermen, cobblers, magicians, and shield-makers) and Option B (sailors, fishermen, hunters, and weavers). Therefore, Alberuni’s comprehensive description of the Antyaj comprises all these groups.