Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy? Mimamsa and Vedanta? Nyaya and Vaisheshika? Lokayata and Kapalika? [2014]

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

Mimamsa and Vedanta
Nyaya and Vaisheshika
Lokayata and Kapalika
Sankhya and Yoga

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

Charvaka School or Lokayata Philosophy: The Charvaka (also known as Lokayata) is one of the earliest philosophical traditions, attributed to Brihaspati and mentioned in texts like the Vedas and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. It propounded a materialistic worldview, rejecting the authority of religion, the existence of God, Brahman, or any supernatural agency. The Charvakas denied concepts like salvation and the afterlife, asserting that death marks the end of human existence. Emphasizing direct perception as the only valid source of knowledge, they believed that only what can be experienced through the senses is real. Being oriented towards common people, it came to be known as Lokayata, and it advocated a practical philosophy of life centred on enjoying worldly pleasures—often summed up as “eat, drink, and make merry.”
Kapalika was a sect of Shaivism (worshippers of Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva) and is also not included in the six systems. The Kapalika cult known for human sacrifice and immolation.

Diagram comparing two main branches of Indian philosophy, Asthika and Nasthika, highlighting their views on Vedas as knowledge sources. Asthika branch includes six schools like Samkhya and Yoga, with subcategories of non-dualism and dualism, while Nasthika branch lists philosophies such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Charvaka, emphasizing liberation, knowledge, and moral consequences.