Which of the following are the characteristics of traditional societies or civilization?

A. Very large in size some numbering several millions of people.

B. Some cities exist in which trade and manufacture are concentrate

C. Based largely on industry

D. Based largely on agriculture

E. Distinct government apparatus headed by king or emperor

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

​A, B. D. E only​

Traditional societies or civilizations typically have the following characteristics:

1. Very large in size, some numbering several millions of people (A): Early civilizations often consisted of large populations, typically in the millions, especially in urbanized regions.
2. Some cities exist in which trade and manufacture are concentrated (B): Civilizations tend to be urbanized, with cities that serve as centers of commerce, trade, and production. These cities are hubs where people come together to exchange goods and services.
3. Based largely on agriculture (D): Most traditional civilizations were agrarian in nature, with economies dependent on farming, animal husbandry, and the production of food, which was the foundation of society's survival.
4. Distinct government apparatus headed by king or emperor (E): Traditional civilizations were often marked by a centralized form of governance, usually under the leadership of a monarch, king, or emperor, whose authority was often linked to divine or inherited power.

However, C. Based largely on industry is not a characteristic of traditional societies or civilizations. This is more relevant to modern societies, particularly those that developed during and after the Industrial Revolution. Traditional societies, by contrast, were primarily agrarian and only began developing industries much later.

Information Booster:

1. Large Population: Civilizations with millions of people were often the result of agricultural surpluses, which allowed for urbanization and population growth. Large population centers often created the need for more complex systems of governance, infrastructure, and trade.
2. Urbanization and Trade: The development of cities, such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China, marked the rise of specialized labor and trade. These cities became the focal points for technological innovation, cultural exchange, and the centralization of power.
3. Agricultural Foundations: Agriculture was the backbone of most early civilizations. Societies relied heavily on farming for sustenance, and technologies such as irrigation, plowing, and crop rotation were developed to increase agricultural efficiency.
4. Centralized Government: The establishment of kingdoms, empires, or city-states governed by kings or emperors was common in traditional civilizations. These rulers often had the power to enforce laws, levy taxes, and lead armies.
5. Specialization of Labor: Traditional civilizations had a stratified labor system where people performed specific tasks—such as farming, trade, crafts, and governance—which contributed to a division of labor that supported the overall functioning of the society.
6. Social Hierarchy: Traditional societies often had rigid class structures, with the elite ruling class at the top and peasants or laborers at the bottom. Social mobility was limited, and status was often determined by birth or occupation.
7. Religion and Politics: Many traditional societies were theocratic or had political leaders who were also religious leaders. The king or emperor was often seen as divinely chosen, and religious institutions held significant political power.

Additional Information:

1. Option 2 - A, C, D, E only: This option is incorrect because the characteristic C, which suggests societies being based largely on industry, is more typical of modern societies and not traditional ones, where agriculture was the mainstay.
2. Option 3 - B, C, D, E only: This option is incorrect because traditional societies were not largely based on industry (C). Industry became more central during the Industrial Revolution, much later than traditional civilizations.
3. Option 4 - A, B, C, D, E: This option is incorrect because it includes C, which is not a characteristic of traditional societies. Traditional societies were more focused on agriculture than industry.