{"id":13391,"date":"2023-10-23T05:31:41","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T05:31:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=13391"},"modified":"2023-10-23T05:31:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T05:31:43","slug":"philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Philosophy Optional Topic &#8211; Wise Previous Year Questions in UPSC Mains: Schools of Ved\u0101nta (2013-2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/L0DSjolptRXUxybz9hFq0TESMnSeCYa4N6uPyerj.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/L0DSjolptRXUxybz9hFq0TESMnSeCYa4N6uPyerj.png 1320w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/L0DSjolptRXUxybz9hFq0TESMnSeCYa4N6uPyerj-1170x369.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/L0DSjolptRXUxybz9hFq0TESMnSeCYa4N6uPyerj-585x184.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Embarking on the challenging journey of preparing for the UPSC Mains examination can often feel like an arduous task, especially when it comes to choosing an optional subject. Among the myriad choices, philosophy stands out as a subject that not only tests your critical thinking abilities but also delves deep into the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of human thought. In particular, the section on &#8220;Schools of Ved\u0101nta&#8221; has been a recurrent theme in the UPSC philosophy optional paper from 2013 to 2023. As we explore this fascinating realm of Indian philosophy, we&#8217;ll delve into the rich tapestry of Ved\u0101nta, a profound school of thought that examines the ultimate nature of reality, the self, and the relationship between the two. In this blog series, we&#8217;ll take a closer look at the previous year&#8217;s questions related to this topic and unravel the intricacies of Ved\u0101nta, equipping you with the knowledge and insights needed to excel in the UPSC Mains examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The study of Ved\u0101nta is a captivating journey through the scriptures and philosophical texts of ancient India, offering profound insights into the nature of existence and the path to self-realization. By delving into previous year questions on this topic, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts, prominent philosophers, and the evolution of Ved\u0101nta over the years. We&#8217;ll explore the various schools of Ved\u0101nta, such as Advaita, Dvaita, and Vishishtadvaita, and analyze the nuanced differences between them. Through this series, we hope to not only aid your preparation for the UPSC Mains but also foster a deeper appreciation for the intellectual and spiritual heritage that is Ved\u0101nta. So, let&#8217;s embark on this intellectual voyage together and unlock the secrets of Ved\u0101nta, one question at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e2a7cfd07e5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e2a7cfd07e5\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#Schools_of_Vedanta_Philosophy_%E2%80%93_Previous_Year_Questions_UPSC_CSE_Mains_History_Optional\" title=\"Schools of\u00a0Ved\u0101nta Philosophy &#8211; Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)\">Schools of\u00a0Ved\u0101nta Philosophy &#8211; Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#FAQs_on_Schools_of_Vedanta\" title=\"FAQs on Schools of\u00a0Ved\u0101nta\">FAQs on Schools of\u00a0Ved\u0101nta<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#Q_What_are_the_Bhakti_Schools_of_Vedanta\" title=\"Q: What are the Bhakti Schools of Vedanta?\">Q: What are the Bhakti Schools of Vedanta?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#Q_Which_are_the_prominent_Bhakti_Schools_of_Vedanta\" title=\"Q: Which are the prominent Bhakti Schools of Vedanta?\">Q: Which are the prominent Bhakti Schools of Vedanta?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#Q_How_do_these_schools_differ_in_their_focus\" title=\"Q: How do these schools differ in their focus?\">Q: How do these schools differ in their focus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#Q_Which_school_of_Vedic_philosophy_is_considered_the_most_influential\" title=\"Q: Which school of Vedic philosophy is considered the most influential?\">Q: Which school of Vedic philosophy is considered the most influential?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-mains-schools-of-vedanta-2013-2023\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schools_of_Vedanta_Philosophy_%E2%80%93_Previous_Year_Questions_UPSC_CSE_Mains_History_Optional\"><\/span><strong>Schools of\u00a0Ved\u0101nta<\/strong> <strong>Philosophy &#8211; Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Distinguish between vivartavada and parinamvada with referenceto causation and explain how in the light of these theories Sankaraand Ramanuja differ on the status of\u00a0the world. (2017\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Explain Ramanuja\u2019s conception of God and examine the difficultieshe faced in explaining the relation of God to matter and spirits.(2017\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Evaluate Sankara&#8217;s position on\u00a0Isvara.(2016\/10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Pancavidhbheda.(2015\/10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Compare and contrast the notion of Brahman in Sankar andRamanuja.(2015\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. How does nature of Brahman differ in the philosophy of Shankar ,Ramanuja and Madhva ? Discuss critically. (2014\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. Bring out the significance of the concept of adhyasa in Sankara\u2019sphilosophy to develop his metaphysics. (2014\/10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8. Describe the five types of differences (Panchvidbheda). Bring outtheir philosophical significance for Madhva\u2019s theory.(2013\/12 \u00bd\u00a0)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>9. How can Isvara (God) be distinguished from Brahman( Absolute) ?Which of the two\u00a0concepts are philosophically better ?(2013\/12 \u00bd)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10. Distinguish between svarup lakshan and tatastha lakshan ofBrahman after Sankara.(2013\/12 \u00bd)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>11. Evaluate Ramanuja\u2019s critique of Sankara\u2019s theory of maya.(2013\/12 \u00bd)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12. Do you agree with Ramanuja\u2019s view that the nature of Brahman isqualified ? Give reasons .\u00a0(2012\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>13. Write a note on Shankara\u2019s Vivartavada and discuss its implications. ( 2012\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>14. Explain\u00a0why\u00a0avidya\u00a0and\u00a0maya\u00a0are\u00a0considered\u00a0anirvachniya(indescribable) in advait vada ? (2012\/15 )<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>15. Explain the notion of egoor ahankara and its role in the doctrine ofVedanta.(2012\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>16. \u201cBoth Shamkar and Ramanuja are right in their affirmation, butwrong in their denial.\u201d Critically evaluate. (2010\/30)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>17. Is Shamkar\u2019s concept of adhyasa logical or psychological? Discuss.(2010\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>18. How is Ramanuja\u2019s concept of dharmabhutajnana different fromShamkar\u2019s concept of\u00a0swarupajnana? Explain. (2010\/15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>19. Explain Sankara\u2019s view on the status of Jagat and Ramanuja\u2019sresponse to it. (2008\/60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>20. State and explain the difference between Saguna and NirgunaBrahman. (2007\/60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>21. Examine Shankara\u2019s Mayavada. Short\u00a0Notes. (2006\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>22. Discuss the Metaphysics of Acharya Ramanuja. (2006\/60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>23. The nature of Brahman, Jiva and Jagat according Madhava. ShortNotes. (2005\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>24. Elucidate Shankara\u2019s conception of\u00a0Adhyasa. (2005\/60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>25. Why is Ramanuja\u2019s philosophy called Visistadvaita? Discuss fully.(2004\/60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>26. Madhava\u2019s conception of moksha. Notes. (2004\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>27. Ramanuja criticism of Advaita concept of maya. Short Notes.(2003\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>28. Describe Sankara\u2019s explanation of jiva. Is the justification offer edrational? Explain.(2003\/60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>29. Ramanuja\u2019s refutation of Mayavada. Short Notes. (2002\/20)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>30. Evaluate Sankara\u2019s analysis of moksha in the light of Ramanuja\u2019sarguments. (2001)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_Schools_of_Vedanta\"><\/span>FAQs on <strong>Schools of\u00a0Ved\u0101nta<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_the_Bhakti_Schools_of_Vedanta\"><\/span>Q: <strong>What are the Bhakti Schools of Vedanta?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The Bhakti Schools of Vedanta are a subset of Vedantic philosophy that emphasize devotion (bhakti) as the primary means to achieve spiritual realization and union with the divine. These schools focus on personal deity worship and surrender as the key to attaining moksha (liberation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Which_are_the_prominent_Bhakti_Schools_of_Vedanta\"><\/span>Q: <strong>Which are the prominent Bhakti Schools of Vedanta?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Some of the prominent Bhakti Schools of Vedanta include the Vishishtadvaita school founded by Ramanuja, the Dvaita school established by Madhva, and the Achintya Bheda Abheda school propagated by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These schools have different interpretations of the relationship between the individual soul and the divine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_do_these_schools_differ_in_their_focus\"><\/span>Q: <strong>How do these schools differ in their focus?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: These schools differ in their primary areas of focus. For instance, Nyaya and Vaisheshika concentrate on logic and atomism, Samkhya and Yoga emphasize metaphysical and psychological aspects, Mimamsa delves into rituals and duties, and Vedanta explores the ultimate reality and self-realization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Which_school_of_Vedic_philosophy_is_considered_the_most_influential\"><\/span><strong>Q: Which school of Vedic philosophy is considered the most influential?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Vedanta is often considered the most influential among the Six Schools. It addresses profound questions about the nature of the self, ultimate reality (Brahman), and the relationship between the two. It has various sub-schools like Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Dvaita.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> In particular, the section on &#8220;Schools of Ved\u0101nta&#8221; has been a recurrent theme in the UPSC philosophy optional paper from 2013 to 2023. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":13393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[344,142,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-13391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-philosophy-optional","tag-philosophy-optional","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13391"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13392,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13391\/revisions\/13392"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}