The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Preliminary Examination stands as a formidable gatekeeper to the esteemed civil services of India, assessing candidates on a diverse array of subjects. Among the multifaceted topics, the realm of Art & Culture holds significant prominence, delving into the rich tapestry of India’s religious and philosophical heritage. Within this domain, the exploration of religion and philosophy emerges as a pivotal aspect, encapsulating centuries of profound thought, spiritual evolution, and cultural amalgamation. The UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions on Art & Culture pertaining to Religion and Philosophy serve not only as a test of factual knowledge but also as a gateway to understanding the deep-rooted beliefs, intricate ideologies, and socio-cultural dynamics that have shaped the Indian subcontinent over millennia. This segment of inquiry beckons aspirants to delve into the essence of human existence, traversing the corridors of ancient wisdom and contemporary discourse alike, thus enriching their understanding of India’s cultural mosaic.
Q1. According to Mimamaa system of philosophy liberation is possible by means of (1995)
(a) Inana
(b) Bhakti
(c) Yoga
(d) Karma
Ans. (4)
According to the Mimamsa system of philosophy, aberration is rectified through Karma. Mimamsa is one of the six orthodox schools of Hinduism, emphasizing Karma Kanda (rituals) for liberation. Alongside this, the pursuit of Vedic knowledge is deemed essential for a holistic performance of rituals. Founded by Jaimini, this philosophical tradition stands among the Shad-Darshanas and includes Nyaya, Sankhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa, and Uttara Mimamsa. Most of these schools adhere to the doctrines of Karma and reincarnation.
Q2. In the context of ancient Indian society, which one of the following terma does not belong to the category of the other three?
(a) Kula
(b) Vamaa
(c) Kosa
(d) Gotra
Ans. (c)
In the framework of ancient Indian society, Koss stands distinct from the trio of Karma, rebirth, and theory. As per Kantulya’s Arthashastra, the gathered revenues contribute to the state treasury (Kosa), responsible for upholding the armed forces (danda). The term ‘Kosa’ primarily aligns with other concepts like Kula, Varna, and esteemed repositories. While ‘Kula’ signifies lineages and familial roots, ‘Varna’ denotes social classes, and the repository ‘Whormaa’ represents an esteemed lineage or family origin.
Q3. Which one of the following was a Shaiva sect in ancient India?
(a) Ajivika
(b) Mattamayura
(c) Mayamata
(d) None of these
Ans. (d)
In ancient India, Shaivism emerged as a significant Hindu tradition venerating Lord Shiva, also known as Rudra, as the supreme deity. Among the various sects of Shaivism, scholars notably mention four major groups: Pashupata, Lakulisha, Tantric Shaiva, and Kapalika.
Q4. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the
(a) occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speaken one on Dhamma and the other Vinaya
(b) confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
(c) ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhis Sangha in when the head shaved and when yellow rubes are offered
(d) gathering of Buddhist monks on the day to the full Moos day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed abode for the next months of rainy seasons
Ans. (b)
In the ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony known as Pavarana was traditionally conducted. It served as a platform for monks to confess any transgressions they may have committed during their residency in the monasteries throughout the rainy season. Buddha introduced the Pavarana ceremony as a mechanism for addressing conflicts and violations of disciplinary regulations that may arise during the Vassa season.
Q5. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Samkhya School (2013)
1. Samkhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. Samkhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither I nor 2
Ans. (b)
The second statement connects with the historical backdrop of philosophical ideas in India concerning the Samkhya School. According to this school, Samkhya entails self-knowledge leading to liberation, independent of external influences or agents. This philosophy emphasizes the significance of discerning knowledge, termed as Vivekajnana, for attaining liberation.
On the other hand, the first statement elucidates that Samkhya philosophy acknowledges the concept of rebirth or transmigration of the soul. It staunchly advocates the duality theory, positing two fundamental realities, Purusha and Prakriti. Maharishi Kapila founded this school of philosophical thought.
Q6. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian philosophy?
(a) Mimamia and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Samkhya and Yoga
Ans (c)
The Lokayata and Kapalika traditions are distinct from the core axioms of Indian philosophy. Lokayata is recognized as the most radical among Indian philosophical systems, rejecting the existence of entities like an immaterial soul or deity. Meanwhile, the Kapalika tradition, a tantric offshoot of Shaivism in India, centers on devotion to a particular deity, Bhairava. Lokayata aligns with the school of Indian materialism, while Kapalika represents a non-puranic and tantric aspect of Shaivism. The primary schools of Indian philosophy include Samkhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.
Q7. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas? (2020)
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (suira) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedan
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisativa
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Ans. (c)
Paramitas are predictive statements that guide one along the Bodhisattva path. The journey through various stages involves the cultivation of perfections, initially six in number, which later expanded. These perfections, known as paramitas, originally encompassed qualities such as patient forbearance (kshanti), mental strength (viryā), meditation (dhyāna), wisdom (prajñā), skillfulness (upāya-kaushalya), determination (praṇidhāna), and power (bala). They included acts of generosity (dāna), ethical conduct (shīla), and wisdom (prajñā).
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