UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I
Question 22: History and Culture
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
- 1.Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
- 2.Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
- 3.Denial of efficacy of rituals
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the authority of the Vedas and denied the efficacy of Vedic rituals and sacrifices. The 'middle path' that avoids both extreme penance and indulgence is specifically Buddhist; Jainism prescribed severe austerities, including fasting unto death. So only statements 2 and 3 are common to both.
- 1. The middle path is Buddhist; Jainism stressed severe penance.
- 2. Both were indifferent to the authority of the Vedas.
- 3. Both denied that Vedic rituals bring salvation.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The middle path is Buddhist; Jainism stressed severe penance.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: avoiding extremes of penance is Buddhist; Jainism prescribed severe austerity.
- (b) Correct: both rejected Vedic authority and ritual efficacy.
- (c) Wrong: it includes statement 1, which applies only to Buddhism.
- (d) Wrong: statement 1 is not common to both.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.