Religions & Philosophy — Set 4

Correct Answer: C. Nalanda

• **Nalanda** = This ancient university in Magadha (modern Bihar) was a world-renowned residential center for the study of Buddhist philosophy. • **5th and 12th centuries** — This period marks the prime existence and influence of Nalanda as a leading educational institution in India. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Vikramshila]: It was another significant Buddhist university, but established later and less globally renowned for the breadth of Buddhist studies; [Taxila]: An ancient learning center primarily known before the common era for various subjects, not exclusively Buddhist philosophy in its heyday; [Vallabhi]: An important Buddhist learning center in Western India, but not as pre-eminent in attracting scholars from across Asia for Buddhist philosophy as Nalanda.

Correct Answer: D. The community of monks and nuns

• **Sangha** = In Buddhism, the Sangha refers to the community of monks and nuns who follow the Buddha's teachings. • **Three Jewels** — It is one of the 'Triratna' (Three Jewels) of Buddhism, alongside the Buddha and the Dharma, essential for spiritual refuge. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [The teachings of Buddha]: This is referred to as 'Dharma' or 'Dhamma'; [The path to enlightenment]: This is the 'Eightfold Path' or the practice of Dharma; [The sacred relics]: These are physical remains or objects associated with the Buddha, not the Sangha itself.

Correct Answer: D. Lay followers (Householders)

• **Anuvratas** = These are the 'Small Vows' in Jainism, a simplified version of the rigorous vows specifically designed for lay followers or householders. • **Five main vows** — The Anuvratas are adapted from the five main Jain vows (Mahavratas) of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kings]: While some kings supported Jainism, Anuvratas are for the general lay public, not specifically for royalty; [Children]: While children might learn these principles, Anuvratas are primarily for adult householders; [Foreigners]: Jainism does not have separate vows based on nationality, Anuvratas apply to any lay follower.

Correct Answer: D. Guru Arjan Dev

• **Guru Arjan Dev** = The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, compiled the 'Adi Granth' by collecting hymns from previous Gurus and adding his own. • **1604** — In this year, Guru Arjan Dev completed the compilation of the Adi Granth, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Guru Angad]: He standardized the Gurmukhi script and collected the teachings of Guru Nanak, but did not compile the Adi Granth; [Guru Nanak]: The founder of Sikhism, whose teachings form the core, but he did not compile the Adi Granth in its complete form; [Guru Gobind Singh]: The tenth Guru, who finalized the Adi Granth as the eternal Guru Granth Sahib, but did not compile the initial version.

Correct Answer: B. Shvetambara and Digambara

• **Shvetambara and Digambara** = The 'Tattvartha Sutra' is a foundational Jain philosophical text, authored by Umaswati, that is uniquely accepted and revered by both the Shvetambara and Digambara sects. • **Seven fundamental realities** — The text systematically explains the 'seven tattvas' (fundamental realities or principles) which form the basis of Jain metaphysics and ethics. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Terapanthi and Bispanthi]: These are sub-sects within Digambara and Shvetambara respectively, not the two overarching major sects; [Sthanakvasi and Murtipujaka]: These are sub-sects within the Shvetambara tradition, differing on idol worship, not the two primary major sects; [Ajivika and Charvaka]: These are ancient, distinct Indian philosophical schools, completely separate from Jainism.

Correct Answer: A. Badarayana

• **Badarayana** = Sage Badarayana is traditionally credited with authoring the 'Brahma Sutras', a foundational text that systematically summarizes and synthesizes the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. • **Vedanta school** — The Brahma Sutras serve as the foundational text for the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, which extensively discusses the nature of Ultimate Reality (Brahman). • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Agastya]: A revered Vedic sage, known for his hymns in the Rigveda and association with southern India, but not for the Brahma Sutras; [Vyasa]: Traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas and writing the Mahabharata, but Badarayana is the specific author for the Brahma Sutras; [Valmiki]: The revered author of the epic Ramayana, not the Brahma Sutras.

Correct Answer: A. Charvaka

• **Charvaka** = The 'Lokayata' tradition is an ancient Indian materialistic and atheistic school of philosophy, commonly known as Charvaka. • **Sensory perception** — This school primarily accepts sensory perception as the only valid source of knowledge, rejecting inference and testimony. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Nyaya]: An orthodox Hindu school focused on logic and epistemology, distinct from Charvaka's materialism; [Vaisheshika]: An orthodox Hindu school known for its atomic theory and metaphysics, separate from Lokayata; [Mimamsa]: An orthodox Hindu school focused on the correct interpretation and application of Vedic rituals, not related to Charvaka's materialistic views.

Correct Answer: B. Zoroastrianism

• **Zoroastrianism** = Ahura Mazda is revered as the supreme benevolent deity, the Lord of Wisdom and the creator of all good, within the ancient monotheistic religion of Zoroastrianism. • **Cosmic struggle** — Zoroastrianism emphasizes a cosmic struggle between the forces of truth (Asha) led by Ahura Mazda and falsehood (Druj), highlighting dualism in the world. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sikhism]: Believes in one God (Waheguru) but does not use the term Ahura Mazda; [Judaism]: A monotheistic religion where God is referred to as Yahweh or Elohim, not Ahura Mazda; [Buddhism]: A non-theistic religion that does not focus on a supreme deity like Ahura Mazda.

Correct Answer: D. Pali

• **Pali** = The early Buddhist 'Tripitaka' (canonical scriptures) was primarily written and preserved in Pali, a Middle Indo-Aryan language. • **Theravada Buddhism** — Pali remains the liturgical language for Theravada Buddhism, which directly translates as 'The School of the Elder Monks', adhering to the earliest recorded teachings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sanskrit]: Later Buddhist texts, especially Mahayana, were written in Sanskrit, but early Tripitaka was primarily in Pali; [Prakrit]: A group of Middle Indo-Aryan languages, some of which were used by Jainism (like Ardhamagadhi), but Pali was specific to early Buddhism; [Tamil]: A Dravidian language primarily spoken in South India and Sri Lanka, not the language of the early Buddhist canon from North India.

Correct Answer: C. Three

• **Three** = The 'Srimad Bhagavad Gita' primarily identifies three main paths or Yogas for spiritual attainment: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. • **Karma, Jnana, Bhakti** — These three Yogas represent the paths of selfless action, profound knowledge, and devotional surrender, respectively, leading to spiritual liberation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [One]: While the ultimate goal is one, the Gita proposes multiple paths suitable for different individuals; [Seven]: The Gita does not explicitly define seven primary paths for spiritual attainment; [Two]: While one might simplify to action vs. knowledge/devotion, the Gita clearly delineates three distinct primary paths.