Critical Reasoning: Brahmin Recitation

CAT 1999 Slot 1 · VARC · Medium · Verbal Ability

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According to McNeill, a Brahmin priest was expected to be able to recite at least one of the Vedas. The practice was essential for several centuries when the Vedas had not yet been written down. It must have had a selective effect, since priests would have been recruited from those able or willing to memorize long passages. It must have helped in the dissemination of the work, since a memorized passage can be duplicated many times.

Which of the following can be inferred from the above passage?

  1. A.

    Reciting the Vedas was a Brahmin's obligation.

  2. B.

    The Vedic priest was like a recorded audio cassette.

  3. C.

    McNeill studied the behaviour of Brahmin priests.

  4. D.

    Vedic hymns had not been scripted.

Answer

B

Explanation

McNeill draws an analogy between a Brahmin priest who memorizes and reproduces texts and a recorded audio cassette.

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