UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 22 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Buddhism Jainism Common Features
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicAncient Art, Literature and Culture
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeStatement
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas.
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 2 and 3 only
Statements 2 and 3 are correct because both Buddhism and Jainism rejected Vedic authority and ritualism, while the Middle Path was specific to Buddhism and not common to Jainism.
Analysis
Buddhism and Jainism arose as heterodox movements against Vedic ritualism and Brahmanical dominance. Both emphasized ethical conduct and personal spiritual effort.
Statement by statement
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment — Incorrect
This refers to the Middle Path of Buddhism.
Buddhism rejected both extreme self-indulgence and extreme penance, but Jainism emphasized severe austerity and rigorous asceticism. Hence, this was not common to both.
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas — Correct
Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the authority and infallibility of the Vedas.
Therefore, both are classified as Nastika or heterodox schools of Indian philosophy.
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals — Correct
Both opposed excessive Vedic rituals, priestly dominance and animal sacrifices.
They emphasized ethical conduct, right knowledge, meditation and self-discipline rather than ritual performance for liberation.
Extra UPSC info
* Both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to the Kshatriya class.
* Buddhism mainly used Pali, while Jainism used Prakrit for preaching.
* Both challenged Brahmanical orthodoxy and caste-based ritual superiority.
* Both accepted karma and rebirth but differed in their view of the soul.
* Jainism believes in jiva, while Buddhism teaches anatta or no-self.
* Jainism gave greater emphasis to extreme ahimsa and asceticism than Buddhism.