Question

What are the five ordeals, treated as divine means of proof of the guilt or innocence of the accused in the traditional Indian governance system?

• A. Balance, Fire, Water, Poison, and Kosa
• B. Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Space
• C. Mudra, House, Forest, Fire, and Kosa
• D. Death penalty, house arrest, public humiliation, imprisonment and ostracism

Hint:

Remember that an 'ordeal' is a method of proof or trial, not a punishment. The options listed in (D) are all forms of punishment that would be administered *after* guilt was determined. This helps distinguish the correct answer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Definition:
Ordeals were physical tests used in ancient and medieval legal systems, including the Indian system described in texts like the Dharmasastras. The outcome supposedly revealed guilt or innocence via divine intervention.
Step 2: Ordeal Types:
Ancient Indian texts, such as the Naradasmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti, detail various ordeals (divya). Five major types were:

Balance (Tula): The accused was weighed, then re-weighed after rituals. Lighter weight after the rituals indicated innocence.
Fire (Agni): The accused carried a hot iron ball. Unburned hands after a set time meant innocence.
Water (Jala): The accused submerged themselves in water. Surviving a set time underwater indicated innocence.
Poison (Visha): The accused ingested poison. Surviving without ill effects meant innocence.
Kosa: The accused drank idol-washed water. Illness or misfortune within a period (e.g., 14 days) signified guilt.
The options in (D) are punishments, not ordeals.
Step 3: Summary:
The five main ordeals in the traditional Indian system were Balance, Fire, Water, Poison, and Kosa.