UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies

Question 57: History and Culture

Anekāntavāda is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following?

aBuddhism

bJainism

cSikhism

dVaishnavism

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Anekantavada, the doctrine of many-sidedness, holds that reality has many aspects and no single view captures all of it. It is a core idea of Jainism, linked with syadvada and nayavada. Buddhism is associated with the Middle Path and the Four Noble Truths, Sikhism with devotion to one God, and Vaishnavism with the worship of Vishnu.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Buddhism teaches the Middle Path and the Four Noble Truths.
(b) Right: Anekantavada is a core doctrine of Jainism.
(c) Sikhism teaches devotion to one God and equality.
(d) Vaishnavism is a Vishnu-centred devotional tradition.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.