UPSC Prelims 2020 Analysis

Explanation

Parivrajaka: This refers to a wandering ascetic or religious mendicant who has renounced worldly possessions and leads a life of spiritual pilgrimage.

Shramana: Shramanas were ascetics who practised austerity and self-discipline, they were not necessarily high-status priests. Shramana refers to a broader movement that includes Jainism and Buddhism, not limited to a specific religion or social hierarchy. Thus, statement 2 is incorrectly matched.

Upasaka: An Upasaka refers to a lay follower of Buddhism, someone who observes the five precepts and practices Buddhism without becoming a monk.

Explanation

The ruler who advised his subjects through the inscription quoted is Ashoka.

This inscription is part of the Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka. Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire from 268 to 232 BCE, is known for his embrace of Buddhism and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence after a particularly bloody war. His edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire, conveyed his messages to his subjects. This specific inscription emphasizes religious tolerance and respect for all faiths.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. Panini (c. 5th-4th century BCE) was a grammarian who wrote the Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text of Sanskrit grammar. Pushyamitra Shunga (r. 185-145 BCE) was the founder of the Shunga dynasty, which ruled after the Mauryan Empire. Their timelines don't align.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Amarasimha (c. 4th-5th century CE) was a scholar and lexicographer who compiled the Amarakosha, a Sanskrit thesaurus. He was one of the nine gems in the court of Vikramaditya, Gupta emperor. Harshavardhana (r. 606-647 CE) was a ruler of the Vardhana dynasty. Thus, there was no overlap between both of them.

Statement 3 is correct. Kalidasa (c. 4th-5th century CE) is considered one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists. His works include Abhijnakuntalam (Shakuntala) and Meghadtam (The Cloud Messenger). The Gupta Empire, under Chandra Gupta II (r. 375-415 CE), is known as a golden age of Indian literature, and Kalidasa is believed to have flourished during this period.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. Sthaviravadins, also known as Theravadins, belong to the branch of Buddhism known as Theravada, which is distinct from Mahayana Buddhism.

Statement 2 is correct. The Lokottaravadin sect emerged as an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. Lokottaravada means "transcendentalist" or "those who consider themselves above or beyond the world."

Statement 3 is correct. The Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism was one of the early Buddhist schools that existed alongside other early Buddhist schools, such as the Sthaviravadins. The Mahasanghikas are believed to have played a role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism, which saw the deification of the Buddha and the emergence of new sutras and doctrines.

Explanation

The term "paramitas" in the cultural history of India refers to Perfections that have to be achieved by a Bodhisattva.

Paramitas are virtues or perfections that Mahayana Buddhists believe must be cultivated and perfected by Bodhisattvas on the path to enlightenment.

These perfections include generosity (dana), moral conduct (sila), patience (kshanti), diligence (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna). Practising and perfecting these virtues are considered essential for Bodhisattvas to attain Buddhahood and to help others achieve liberation from suffering.

Therefore, option C is the correct description of the term "paramitas."