UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 99
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs :
| 1. Parivrajaka | - Renunciant and Wanderer |
| 2. Shramana | - Priest with a high status |
| 3. Upasaka | - Lay follower of Buddhism |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (1 and 3 only)
Explanation: Parivrajaka means a roaming renunciant, and an upasaka is a Buddhist lay adherent; shramana refers to ascetic/seeker traditions, not a high-status Vedic priest.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct - Parivrajakas renounced settled life and wandered in pursuit of spiritual aims.
2. Incorrect - Shramanas were renunciant/ascetic seekers, distinct from high-status priestly Brahmins.
3. Correct - An upasaka is a male lay follower of Buddhism; upasika is the female counterpart.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (Shramanas were renunciant/ascetic seekers, distinct from high-status priestly Brahmins); omits correct item 3 (An upasaka is a male lay follower of Buddhism; upasika is the female counterpart).
B. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 1, 3.
C. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (Shramanas were renunciant/ascetic seekers, distinct from high-status priestly Brahmins); omits correct item 1 (Parivrajakas renounced settled life and wandered in pursuit of spiritual aims).
D. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (Shramanas were renunciant/ascetic seekers, distinct from high-status priestly Brahmins).