UPSC Prelims 2022 Analysis

Explanation

Nizamuddin Panipati, a Persian scholar, translated the "Yogavasistha" into Persian during the reign of Emperor Akbar, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1605. This translation occurred as part of Akbar's efforts to promote cultural exchange and translations of various works into Persian, the administrative language of the Mughal Empire.

Explanation

The Nettipakarana is a Buddhist text, specifically part of the Theravada Buddhist canon within the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka. It is not associated with Jainism.

Conversely, the Parishishtaparvan is indeed a Jaina text. Authored by the 12th-century scholar Hemachandra, it reflects the rich tradition of Jain literature.

The Avadanashataka, known for its collection of Hundred Legends, forms a part of the Sanskrit Buddhist literature and is not a Jain work.

Lastly, the Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (or Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra) is a significant Jain text by Acharya Hemachandra, detailing the lives of 63 eminent figures in Jainism.

Please note: Anytime you come across the word ‘Avadana’, just remember that it belongs to Buddhism. Hence, this was an easy elimination question.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. One of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is in Jyotirlinga here in Somnath.

Statement 2 is correct. Al Biruni writes that the temple was built of stone and constructed about 100 years before Mahmud’s attack (which would date it to the 10th century) and that it was set in a fortress surrounded by the sea on 3 sides.

Statement 3 is not correct. Dr. Rajendra Prasad proposed to purify Jyotirling. He said, this temple of Somnath is a symbol of victory over destruction.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched Dhauli is located in Odisha.

Pair 2 is correctly matched Erragudi or Yerragudi is located in Andhra Pradesh

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched Jaugada is located in Odisha.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched Kalsi is located in Uttarakhand.

Explanation

Sangam literature, which dates back to the Sangam period in ancient South India (c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), does indeed contain references to the social classification of Varna. The poems provide insights into the societal structure of that time, including the division of society into different social groups or Varnas. Therefore, option b is correct.

Sangam poems often contain references to material culture, including descriptions of trade, agriculture, urban life, and everyday objects.

Sangam's poems frequently depict warrior ethics, with many poems glorifying valour, bravery, and military prowess.

Sangam literature includes references to various supernatural or magical forces, but these are typically presented as part of the cultural and religious beliefs of the time rather than being explicitly labelled as irrational.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. Aryadeva was a Buddhist philosopher, not a Jaina scholar.

Statement 2 is correct. Dignaga was a Buddhist scholar known for his contributions to logic and philosophy.

Statement 3 is correct. Nathamuni was a Vaishnava scholar who is credited with reviving the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

Explanation

Ramanuja believed in qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita), where the individual soul (atman) and God (Brahman) coexist in a qualified oneness.

Qualified Non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita): This is the core concept in Ramanuja's philosophy. It contrasts with the strict non-dualism (Advaita) of Adi Shankara. While both acknowledge an ultimate reality, Ramanuja argues for a qualified oneness, where the individual soul (atman) and God (Brahman) exist in a dependent relationship.

God's supremacy: Ramanuja emphasized the concept of a personal God, often identified with Vishnu, who is both immanent (present within the world) and transcendent (beyond the world).

Path to salvation: Liberation (moksha) is achieved through devotion (bhakti) to God and his grace.