UPSC Prelims PYQ 2020: Meaning of ‘paramitas’ in Indian cultural history
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?
- The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (Sutra) style
- Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas.
- Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
- Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval south India.
Explanation
Option (c) is correct
- The six paramitas, or transcendent perfections, are the foundation of the Mahayana Buddhist path. The six paramitas are generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.
- These virtues are called transcendent because the subject, object, and practice of the perfections are all seen as empty and free of self. The paramitas are practiced by bodhisattvas, those who are totally dedicated to the benefit of others. These six paramitas are considered essential qualities to cultivate on one’s path to enlightenment, acting as a roadmap for a meaningful and purposeful life.
Option (a) is incorrect
- The Dharmasutras are part of the Smriti literature in ancient India, offering guidelines on ethical conduct, social norms, legal procedures, and religious rituals within Hindu society.
Option (b) is incorrect
- The philosophical schools that reject the authority of the Vedas are referred to as “Nastika” schools in Indian philosophy
Option (d) is incorrect
- The most important merchant guilds of South India were the Ayyavole, Manigraman, Nagarattar, Anjavannam and Valanjiyar.
- Geographically, the area of their operation corresponded to the present-day state of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh.
Answer: (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path; Difficulty Level: Hard
