Explain Estate system.

Estate System:

The estate system was a hierarchical social structure prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by the division of society into distinct estates or classes, each with its own privileges and responsibilities. The system typically consisted of three main estates:

1. First Estate – Clergy: This estate comprised the religious leaders, including priests, bishops, and other church officials. They held significant influence over both spiritual and, often, political matters.

2. Second Estate – Nobility: The nobility constituted the aristocratic class, including kings, lords, and knights. They enjoyed social and economic privileges, often derived from land ownership, and played a prominent role in governance and military affairs.

3. Third Estate – Commoners: The third estate encompassed the majority of the population, including peasants, merchants, and urban workers. They bore the burden of heavy taxation and lacked the privileges held by the clergy and nobility.

The estate system reflected a rigid social hierarchy, where individuals were born into their respective estates with limited social mobility. This structure contributed to social inequality, with the first two estates possessing significant power and wealth while the third estate faced socio-economic challenges. The discontent within the third estate played a role in the eventual breakdown of the estate system, particularly evident in events like the French Revolution.