UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies

Question 30: History and Culture

Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order?

aShankaracharya - Ramanuja - Chaitanya

bRamanuja - Shankaracharya - Chaitanya

cRamanuja - Chaitanya - Shankaracharya

dShankaracharya - Chaitanya - Ramanuja

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Shankaracharya (about the 8th-9th century), Ramanuja (about the 11th-12th century) and Chaitanya (about the 15th-16th century) come in that order. Shankara taught Advaita, Ramanuja taught Vishishtadvaita, and Chaitanya preached devotion to Krishna in Bengal. Shankara and Ramanuja are separated by about three centuries, and Ramanuja and Chaitanya by about three more. Remember: Shankara, Ramanuja, Chaitanya.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: Shankara, then Ramanuja, then Chaitanya.
(b) Puts Ramanuja before Shankara, which is wrong.
(c) Puts Ramanuja and Chaitanya before Shankara, which is wrong.
(d) Puts Chaitanya before Ramanuja, which is wrong.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.