Explanation:

Here’s an explanation based on M.N. Srinivas’s concept of a ‘dominant caste’:

- Control of land and economic resources: A dominant caste typically owns or has control over substantial land and economic power in a region.

- Numerical strength: The caste must have a significant population in the local area, giving it influence.

- Relatively high ritual status in the caste hierarchy: It generally holds an elevated position in the ritual and social caste order, though not necessarily the highest.

- Clean occupations: Often associated, but not essential; Srinivas did not specifically list it as a core criterion.

- Political authority: Having leaders or representatives in political bodies is a key marker of dominance.

- Educational status of its members: Important in some contexts, but not an original criterion in Srinivas’s analysis.

Let’s match the options:

- Option 1: 1, 2 and 4 only: Leaves out numerical strength (No. 2) and political authority (No. 5); No. 4 (‘Clean occupations’) isn’t a main criterion.

- Option 2: 3, 4, 5 and 6 only: Misses control of land and economic resources (No. 1) and numerical strength (No. 2); includes educational status, which is not key.

- Option 3: 1, 2, 3 and 6 only: Includes main criteria except political authority (No.5), and includes education (No.6), which is not core.

- Option 4: 2, 3, 4 and 5 only: Lacks economic strength (No.1), includes clean occupation (No.4).

Correct answer is:

1. Control of land and economic resources (1)

2. Numerical strength (2)

3. Relatively high ritual status in the caste hierarchy (3)

4. Political authority (5)

But No single option fits all these exactly. The closest fit, based on M.N. Srinivas’s original criteria, is:

- Numerical strength

- Economic and land control

- High ritual status

- Political power

From the provided options, none completely fit, but Option 4 (2, 3, 4 and 5 only) comes closest if we consider ‘clean occupations’ (though not a main criterion in Srinivas’s view), as it includes numerical strength, high ritual status and political authority.

Your chosen answer — Option 1: 1, 2 and 4 only — ignores political authority and includes clean occupations, which isn’t a main criterion.