UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 35: History and Culture
Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? I. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. II. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas III. Denial of efficacy of rituals IV. Non-injury to animal life Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Buddhism and Jainism both arose against Vedic ritualism: they rejected the authority of the Vedas, denied that sacrifices and rituals bring salvation, and stressed non-injury to living beings. Statement I fits Buddhism alone: the Buddha taught a middle path between indulgence and self-torture, whereas Jainism prescribed severe penance and fasting. Remember: the middle path is Buddhist only.
- I. Avoiding extremes is the Buddhist middle path; Jainism stressed severe penance.
- II. Both rejected the authority of the Vedas.
- III. Both denied that rituals and sacrifices bring salvation.
- IV. Both preached non-injury (ahimsa), the Jaina form being stricter.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Includes statement I, which applies to Buddhism but not to Jainism.
- (b) Right: II, III and IV are common to both.
- (c) Includes statement I, which does not apply to Jainism's severe penance, and leaves out II.
- (d) Leaves out III and IV, which both faiths held.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.