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Q61 (IAS/2020) History & Culture β€Ί Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy β€Ί Buddhist doctrine and sects Official Key

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas' ?

Result
Your answer: β€”  Β·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3.

In Buddhist terminology, Paramitas refers to "perfections" or "transcendental virtues." According to Mahayana Buddhism, these are the essential spiritual qualities cultivated by a Bodhisattva on the path to becoming a fully enlightened Buddha. The traditional list includes six perfections: Dana (generosity), Shila (virtue), Kshanti (patience), Virya (energy), Dhyana (meditation), and Prajna (wisdom).

Regarding other options:

  • Option 1 refers to Dharmasutras.
  • Option 2 refers to Heterodox or Nastika schools like Charvaka or Jainism.
  • Option 4 refers to groups like Ayyavole or Manigramam.

Therefore, Paramitas specifically describe the moral and spiritual discipline required to achieve the state of a Bodhisattva, making Option 3 the accurate cultural description.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
62%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas' ? [A] The…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 Β· 2.5/10
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This is a classic 'Term-Definition' question from the static Art & Culture syllabus. While the exact word might be a footnote in some NCERTs, it is a headline concept in standard references (Nitin Singhania, RS Sharma) under Mahayana Buddhism. The strategy is simple: when studying a religion, memorize its unique vocabulary (Sects, Texts, Terms).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to the earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > Eight forms of marriage > p. 58
Strength: 5/5
β€œThese were meant to be followed by Brahmanas in particular and the rest of society in general. From c. 500 BCE, these norms were compiled in Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras. The most important of such works, the Manusmriti, was compiled between c. 200 BCE and 200 CE. While the Brahmana authors of these texts claimed that their point of view had universal validity and that what they prescribed had to be obeyed by everybody, it is likely that real social relations were more complicated. Besides, given the regional diversity within the subcontinent and the difficulties of communication, the influence of Brahmanas was by no means all-pervasive.”
Why relevant

States that from c. 500 BCE norms were compiled as Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras, identifying a class of texts called Dharmasutras.

How to extend

A student could check whether the label 'paramitas' appears as a title or synonym among known Dharmasutras/Dharmashastras to test the claim.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 95
Strength: 5/5
β€œThe famed Sanskrit grammarian Pāṇini lived around the 5th century BCE, during the time of the Nandas. He is known for composing the AαΉ£hṭādhyāyi, an ancient text that lists the rules of Sanskrit grammar in 3,996 short sΕ«tras. SΕ«tras: Sutras are concise, carefully crafted phrases that capture knowledge and important ideas (from ancient Indian text) in a way that's easy to remember and pass on.”
Why relevant

Defines sūtras as concise, memorable aphorisms and gives Panini's Aṣṭādhyāyi as an example of a work composed of short sūtras.

How to extend

Use this definition to assess whether 'paramitas' is likely to be the name of an aphoristic sutra corpus or instead a doctrinal term found within sutra/other texts.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Art and Culture > p. 60
Strength: 4/5
β€œMost of the literature and art of the period have not survived. Sanskrit language and literature. Emergence of State and Empire were enriched by the work of the grammarian Panini (c. 500 BCE), and Katyayana, who was a contemporary of the Nandas and had written a commentary on Panini's work. Buddhist and Jain texts were primarily written in Pali. Evidently many literary works in Sanskrit were produced during this period and find mention in later works, but they are not available to us. The Arthasastra notes the performing arts of the period, including music, instrumental music, bards, dance and theatre.”
Why relevant

Notes production of many Sanskrit works in this period and highlights Panini and grammarian tradition that used sutra style.

How to extend

Combine with knowledge of Dharmasutra dating to judge chronological plausibility that an early aphoristic corpus called 'paramitas' would be a Dharmashastra.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > How Buddhist texts were prepared and preserved > p. 86
Strength: 4/5
β€œThe Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order; the Buddha's teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. Each pitaka comprised a number of individual texts. Later, commentaries were written on these texts by Buddhist scholars. As Buddhism travelled to new regions such as Sri Lanka, other texts such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. Many of these works contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit.”
Why relevant

Describes Buddhist textual categories (Sutta, Abhidhamma, Vinaya) and that philosophical matters appear chiefly in Abhidhamma and Sutta collections.

How to extend

A student could use this to investigate whether the term 'paramitas' (a known doctrinal term in Buddhist literature) is more commonly treated as teaching within Buddhist suttas rather than as a Dharmashastra title.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Buddhist Literature > p. 99
Strength: 3/5
β€œThe earliest Buddhist works are in Pali, but in the later phase, Sanskrit came to be used to a great extent. Most of the works are in prose with verse passages in mixed Sanskrit. Arya Deva and Arya Asanga of the Gupta period are the most notable writers. The first regular Buddhist work on logic was written by Vasubandhu. Vasubandhu's disciple, Dignaga, was also the author of many learned works.”
Why relevant

Indicates that many early Buddhist works exist in Pali and later in Sanskrit and that prose suttas and philosophical works were composed, suggesting different genres where doctrinal lists appear.

How to extend

Combine with the sutra/ Dharmashastra distinction to check whether 'paramitas' fits the genre of doctrinal lists within Buddhist suttas/Abhidhamma rather than being a Dharmashastra sutra corpus.

Statement 2
In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of the Vedas?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > Buddhism > p. 110
Strength: 5/5
β€œOther schools of thought also emerged, which did not accept the authority of the Vedas and developed their own systems. One of them is Buddhism. About two-and-a-half millenniums ago, a young prince named Siddhārtha Gautama was born in Lumbini (today in”
Why relevant

Explicitly names Buddhism as one of the schools that did not accept Vedic authority, establishing that some Indian schools were non‑Vedic.

How to extend

A student could check whether the term in question occurs in texts or lists associated with Buddhism (one of the non‑Vedic schools) to see if it denotes a school or something else.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > Before we move on … > p. 122
Strength: 4/5
β€œβ€’ Γ† The Vedas, India's earliest texts, gave rise to several schools of thought. Vedanta and Yoga are among the best known.β€’ Γ† Buddhism and Jainism departed from the authority of the Vedas and laid emphasis on some specific values and practices.β€’ Γ† Although these schools had different principles and methods, they also shared some important concepts; they were all looking for the cause of suffering and the means of removing ignorance.β€’ Γ† Tribal belief systems and art have interacted for millenniums with Hinduism. There was free borrowing and giving from every side. Tribal belief systems generally regard the land and its features as sacred; they often have, at the same time, a higher concept of divinity.”
Why relevant

Summarizes that Buddhism and Jainism 'departed from the authority of the Vedas' and that different schools had distinct principles and terms.

How to extend

Use this pattern to test whether 'paramitas' is listed among concepts specific to those non‑Vedic traditions rather than the Vedic corpus.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Lokayata and Carvaka > p. 38
Strength: 4/5
β€œThe term "lokayata" signifies materialist thought. Indian materialism has also been named Carvaka after one of the two founders of the school. Carvaka and Aiita Kesakambalin are said to have established Indian materialism as a formal philosophical system. Carvakas developed the concept of scepticism and believed in the pursuit of knowledge through experience. They questioned the authority of Vedas.”
Why relevant

Describes the Charvaka/Lokayata school as explicitly questioning Vedic authority, showing that multiple philosophical groupings in India are characterized by their stance on the Vedas.

How to extend

Compare where the term 'paramitas' appears relative to named schools (e.g., Charvaka, Buddhism, Jainism) to infer whether it labels a school or another doctrinal concept.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 119
Strength: 3/5
β€œIn English, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are often labelled 'religions'. You may notice that we have avoided this term, preferring 'schools of thought' and (later in this chapter) 'belief systems'. This is because there are many aspects to those schools and systems, which we will explore gradually a philosophical aspect, a spiritual aspect, a religious aspect, an ethical aspect, a social aspect, to name a few. Many scholars agree that the word 'religion' is too limiting in the context of the Indian civilisation. There were yet other schools of thought at the time. For example, one of them, known as the 'Chārvāka' school (sometimes also 'Lokāyata'), believed that this material world is the only thing that exists, and therefore there can be no life after death.”
Why relevant

Explains that sources prefer the label 'schools of thought' and that these schools can have religious, philosophical, and ethical aspectsβ€”implying terms might refer to either schools or doctrinal practices.

How to extend

A student could use this guideline to distinguish whether 'paramitas' functions as the name of a school or as a doctrinal/ethical term within a school.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > a. What are the Vedas? > p. 106
Strength: 4/5
β€œThe word "Veda" comes from the Sanskrit vid which means 'knowledge' (hence vidyā, for instance). We briefly mentioned the Ṛig Veda in earlier chapters. In fact, there are four Vedas β€” the Ṛig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sāma Veda and the Atharva Veda. They are the most ancient texts of India, and indeed among the most ancient in the world. The Vedas consist of thousands of hymns β€” prayers in the form of poems and songs β€” that were recited orally, not written. Those hymns were composed in the Sapta Sindhava region (which we visit in Chapter 5). It is difficult to say when exactly the Ṛig Veda, the most ancient of the four, was composed; experts have proposed dates ranging from”
Why relevant

Defines the Vedas as the key ancient authoritative corpus in Indian culture, providing the central reference point for judging whether a school 'accepted Vedic authority'.

How to extend

With this definition, a student can check if 'paramitas' appears in Vedic literature (suggesting Vedic association) or in other traditions (suggesting non‑Vedic usage).

Statement analysis

This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.

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Statement 3
In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
Strength: 5/5
β€œBy the first century CE, there is evidence of changes in Buddhist ideas and practices. Early Buddhist teachings had given great importance to self-effort in achieving nibbana. Besides, the Buddha was regarded as a human being who attained enlightenment and nibbana through his own efforts. However, gradually the idea of a saviour emerged. It was believed that he was the one who could ensure salvation. Simultaneously, the concept of the Bodhisatta also developed. Bodhisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts but used this not to attain nibbana and thereby abandon the world, but to help others.”
Why relevant

Describes development of the Bodhisatta ideal who 'accumulated merit through their efforts' and 'used this not to attain nibbana ... but to help others' β€” implying a set of cultivated qualities or practices leading to that role.

How to extend

A student could link the phrase 'accumulated merit' to known lists of spiritual 'perfections' (paramitas) in Buddhist literature and check if those are portrayed as steps to the Bodhisattva path.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > The Starving Tigress: A Jataka Tale > p. 42
Strength: 5/5
β€œBorn in a family renowned for purity of conduct and great spiritual devotion, the Bodhisattva became a great scholar and teacher. With no desire for wealth, he went to a forest and led a life of an ascetic. It was in this forest he encountered a starving tigress, which after giving birth to cubs was about to eat her own new-born cubs for survival. With no food in sight, the Bodhisattva offered his body as food to the tigress out of compassion.”
Why relevant

The Jataka tale shows a Bodhisattva practising extreme compassion and self-sacrifice (offering his body) β€” an example of a moral/spiritual excellence associated with the Bodhisattva ideal.

How to extend

Compare this example to enumerated paramitas (e.g., generosity, compassion) in Buddhist sources to see if such acts are classed as 'perfections' leading to the Bodhisattva way.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > A Story of Bodhisattva from the Matanga Jataka > p. 67
Strength: 4/5
β€œDid chandalas resist the attempts to push them to the bottom of the social order? Read this story, which is part of the Matanga Jataka, a Pali text, where the Bodhisattva (the Buddha in a previous birth) is identified as a chandala. Once, the Bodhisattva was born outside the city of Banaras as a chandala's son and named Matanga. One day, when he had gone to the city on some work, he encountered Dittha Mangalika, the daughter of a merchant. When she saw him, she exclaimed "I have seen something inauspicious" and washed her eyes. The angry hangers-on then beat him up.”
Why relevant

Presents Bodhisattva as the Buddha in a previous birth, embedded in Jataka narratives that illustrate virtues cultivated across lives β€” suggesting a pattern of progressive virtues underpinning the Bodhisattva model.

How to extend

Use the Jataka examples of accumulated virtues as test cases against lists of paramitas to evaluate whether those virtues correspond to 'perfections'.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Paintings > p. 128
Strength: 3/5
β€œThe prominent colours used are black, red, white, yellow, blue and green. The aesthetic features of the paintings are garland, necklaces, headgear, ear-rings and the perfection of the movements of the human hands. The story panels are attractive and informative. Scenes from the Jataka stories and select episodes from the life history of Buddha are the central theme of the paintings. The celestial figures of Kinnaras, Vidyadharas and Gandharvas are depicted in paintings and sculptures. In the paintings of the later period Bodhisattva is shown in larger relief. Though a variety of human moods are presented, the dominant ones are of compassion and peace.”
Why relevant

Notes that paintings emphasise human moods of 'compassion and peace' and show Bodhisattva prominently, indicating cultural emphasis on certain virtues associated with the Bodhisattva figure.

How to extend

A student might map these highlighted virtues in art to canonical paramitas (e.g., compassion, tranquillity/patience) to assess conceptual overlap.

Statement analysis

This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.

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Statement 4
In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 1/5
"The two most important merchant guilds of South India were known as the Ayyavole and the Manigraman."
Why this source?
  • Identifies the principal merchant guilds of South India by name (Ayyavole and Manigraman).
  • Refers to merchant organisations as 'samaya' (an organisation born out of an agreement), showing other established terms for guilds rather than 'paramitas'.
Web source
Presence: 1/5
"Shreni, according to Medhatithi, was a group of people following the same profession such as that of traders, moneylenders, artisans, etc."
Why this source?
  • Defines 'shreni' as a group following the same profession including traders and notes inscriptions referring to 'vanika-mandala' for merchant groups.
  • Provides terminology and documentary references for merchant guilds different from the term 'paramitas'.
Web source
Presence: 1/5
"The Ainnurruvar, often styled the Five Hundred Svamis of Ayyavolepura (Aihole), were the most celebrated of the medieval South Indian merchant guilds."
Why this source?
  • Names the Ainnurruvar (the Five Hundred Svamis of Ayyavolepura) as 'the most celebrated of the medieval South Indian merchant guilds'.
  • Gives an established guild name (Ainnurruvar/Ayyavole) rather than using 'paramitas' to refer to merchant guilds.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Trade > p. 125
Strength: 5/5
β€œKanchipuram was an important trading centre in the Pallava period. The merchants had to obtain license to market their goods. Barter system generally prevailed but later the Pallavas issued gold and silver coins. Merchants had their own organizations such as Manigramam. In foreign trade, spices, cotton textiles, precious stones and medicinal plants were exported to Java, Sumatra, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and Burma (Myanmar). Mamallapuram was an important seaport. Traders founded guilds and called themselves as sudesi, nanadesi, ainurruvar and others. Their main guild functioned at Aihole. Foreign merchants were known as Nanadesi. It had a separate flag with the figure of bull at the centre, and they enjoyed the right of issuing virasasanas.”
Why relevant

Describes named merchant guilds of South India (Manigramam, sudesi, nanadesi, ainurruvar) and their visible public roles (flags, virasasanas).

How to extend

A student could check whether the form and usage of these guild-names (and their documentary presence) match the word 'paramitas' or whether 'paramitas' appears alongside such known guild-names in inscriptions or records.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Aihole (Ayyavole) > p. 120
Strength: 4/5
β€œBuilt in 634, Aihole, the headquarters of the famous medieval Ayyavole merchants' guild was an important commercial centre. About seventy temples are located in Aihole. The earliest stone-built temple is Lad Khan temple. Its unique trait is a stucco pillar with a big capital distinct from northern style. A temple dedicated to the goddess Durga was built on the model of Buddha Chaitya. It stands on a raised platform in the form of semi-circle. Another temple, dedicated to Cultural Development in South India 120”
Why relevant

Identifies Aihole as the headquarters of the medieval Ayyavole (Ayyavolu/Ainurruvar) merchants' guild β€” an example of powerful, regionally organized merchant corporations.

How to extend

Compare the documented titles and centres of known powerful guilds (e.g., Ayyavole) with occurrences of the term 'paramitas' in epigraphic/geographical sources to see if they are synonymous.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns > Fig. 2.6 > p. 43
Strength: 4/5
β€œBy the second century BCE, we find short votive inscriptions in a number of cities. These mention the name of the donor, and sometimes specify his/ her occupation as well. They tell us about people who lived in towns: washing folk, weavers, scribes, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, officials, religious teachers, merchants and kings. Sometimes, guilds or shrenis, organisations of craft producers and merchants, are mentioned as well. These guilds probably procured raw materials, regulated production, and marketed the finished product. It is likely that craftspersons used a range of iron tools to meet the growing demands of urban elites. Ü Were there any cities in the region where the Harappan civilisation flourished in the third millennium BCE?”
Why relevant

Explains the general concept of guilds/shrenis across Indian history, their functions (procure raw materials, regulate production, market goods).

How to extend

Use this generic definition to test whether 'paramitas' (if found in a source) denotes an organization with these functions, or whether it is a different kind of term.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Trade and Commerce > p. 97
Strength: 4/5
β€œThe abundant inscriptions and seals mentioning artisans, merchants and guilds are indicative of the thriving crafts and trade. (Guild is a society or other organization of people with common interests or an association of merchants) The Narada and Brihaspati Smritis describe the organisation and activities of guilds. They mention that the guild had a chief and two, three or five executive officers. Guild laws were apparently laid down in written documents. The Brihaspati Smriti refers to guilds rendering justice to their members and suggests that these decisions should, by and large, be approved by the king. Usury (the lending of money at an exorbitant rate of interest) was in practice during the Gupta period.”
Why relevant

Notes that guilds had formal organization, laws and officers (chief and executives), and that legal/administrative terminology for guilds was recorded in texts like the Smritis.

How to extend

Search Smriti or inscriptional corpora for administrative vocabulary (titles, legal terms) to see whether 'paramitas' appears as a title or institutional term for merchant corporations.

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > REFERENCE BOOKS > p. 102
Strength: 3/5
β€œβ€’ 1. R.Champakalakshmi, Trade, Ideology and Urbanization in South India 300 BC to 1300, Oxford University Press, 1996 β€’ 2. Kulke Herman (ed), The State in India (1000-1700), Oxford University Press, 1997. β€’ 3. Romila Thapar, A History of India, Vol. I, Penguin, 1980. β€’ 4. Romila Thapar, Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300 (Penguin Paperback), 2003. β€’ 5. Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India from the Stone Age to the 12th Century, Pearson, 2009”
Why relevant

Lists specialized scholarly works on South Indian trade and urbanization (e.g., Champakalakshmi's book), indicating focused secondary literature where specific guild-terms are likely discussed.

How to extend

Consult these cited scholarly works to verify whether 'paramitas' is used by historians as a name for merchant guilds in early medieval South India.

Statement analysis

This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.

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Pattern takeaway: UPSC consistently tests the 'doctrinal vocabulary' of Buddhism and Jainism. They move beyond simple biography (birth/death of Buddha) to philosophical concepts (Nirvana, Pratityasamutpada, Paramita).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. This is core static knowledge found in every standard Ancient History or Culture book (e.g., Nitin Singhania, Chapter on Buddhism).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The evolution of Buddhism from Theravada to Mahayana, specifically the shift from the 'Arhat' ideal to the 'Bodhisattva' ideal.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 6 Paramitas (Perfections): 1. Dana (Generosity), 2. Sila (Morality), 3. Kshanti (Patience), 4. Virya (Vigour), 5. Dhyana (Meditation), 6. Prajna (Wisdom). Also link to the '10 Bhumis' (Stages of the Bodhisattva path).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: UPSC loves 'Glossary' questions. Create a 2-column table for Buddhism/Jainism: Column A = Term (e.g., Syadvada, Anekantavada, Paramita, Parivrajaka), Column B = Meaning. If a term sounds philosophical, check if it belongs to a heterodox sect.
How to study

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Concept hooks from this question
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ SΕ«tra literary form (aphoristic style)
πŸ’‘ The insight

SΕ«tras are concise, aphoristic formulations used to record rules and key ideas, the same format claimed for early legal texts in the statement.

High-yield for UPSC because many ancient Indian technical and normative works (grammar, law, ritual) employ the sΕ«tra form; understanding this helps classify texts and explain modes of transmission and memorization. Useful in questions on literary genres, text transmission, and comparative textual formats.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 95
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > Art and Culture > p. 60
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to the earlies..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Dharmasutras vs Dharmashastras (normative legal-religious texts)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras are the Sanskrit compilations of social and legal norms referenced by the statement's claim about early Dharmashastra texts.

Essential for UPSC mains and prelims on social history and law: knowing the nature, audience, and chronology of these works helps answer questions on the development of social norms, caste and legal traditions, and the role of Brahmanas in textual production.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > Eight forms of marriage > p. 58
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to the earlies..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Manusmriti as a principal Dharmashastra and its date-range
πŸ’‘ The insight

Manusmriti is cited as the most important Dharmashastra with a specific compilation period, directly relevant to claims about the earliest Dharmashastra literature.

High-yield because Manusmriti is frequently asked about in questions on ancient law, social prescriptions and chronology; knowing its dating and status helps evaluate claims about 'earliest' legal texts and their social authority.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class > Eight forms of marriage > p. 58
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to the earlies..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Non-Vedic (heterodox) schools: Buddhism, Jainism, Chārvāka
πŸ’‘ The insight

Buddhism, Jainism and Chārvāka are examples of schools that did not accept Vedic authority and developed alternate systems of thought.

High-yield for UPSC because questions often ask which traditions accepted or rejected the Vedas and require distinguishing orthodox and heterodox streams; it connects to social, ethical and reform movements and helps answer comparative questions about belief-systems and their social impact.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > Buddhism > p. 110
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > Before we move on … > p. 122
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Lokayata and Carvaka > p. 38
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to philosophic..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Authority and centrality of the Vedas in ancient India
πŸ’‘ The insight

The Vedas are presented as the earliest and foundational texts whose authority was accepted by some traditions and rejected by others.

Crucial for understanding ancient Indian culture and education; useful for questions on Vedic literature, the role of Brahmins, Upanishadic philosophy, and the basis for later religious/philosophical debates.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Early India: The Chalcolithic, Megalithic, Iron Age and Vedic Cultures > Literature of the Vedic Age > p. 18
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > a. What are the Vedas? > p. 106
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Early India: The Chalcolithic, Megalithic, Iron Age and Vedic Cultures > Philosophy and Education > p. 30
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to philosophic..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Distinct emphases of non-Vedic schools (ethical/practical over Vedic ritual)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Buddhism and Jainism are described as departing from Vedic authority and emphasizing specific values and practices rather than Vedic ritualism.

Useful for comparing doctrinal focus across traditions (ritual vs ethics/practice) and for framing answers on reformist trends, inter-religious interactions, and cultural continuity/change.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > Before we move on … > p. 122
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 119
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to philosophic..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S3
πŸ‘‰ Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism
πŸ’‘ The insight

Bodhisattva denotes compassionate beings who accumulate merit and delay personal release to help others, a doctrinal core relevant to claims about qualities or 'perfections' for that path.

High-yield for questions on religious ideas and doctrinal evolution; connects Buddhist doctrine to cultural expressions and helps answer comparative questions about early Buddhism versus Mahayana developments.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism > p. 103
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > The Starving Tigress: A Jataka Tale > p. 42
πŸ”— Anchor: "In the cultural history of India, does the term "paramitas" refer to perfections..."
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πŸŒ‘ The Hidden Trap

The 'Trikaya' Doctrine. Since they asked about the path (Paramitas), the next logical question is the nature of the Buddha in Mahayana: Dharmakaya (Truth Body), Sambhogakaya (Bliss Body), and Nirmanakaya (Physical Body).

⚑ Elimination Cheat Code

Etymological Hack: 'Paramita' comes from 'Param' (Supreme/Beyond). Option A (Texts) are usually called 'Sutras' or 'Shastras'. Option B (Schools) usually end in '-vada' (e.g., Ajivika, Charvaka). Option D (Guilds) usually have regional names (Manigramam, Ayyavole). Option C uses the word 'Perfections' (Supreme qualities) β€” the linguistic match with 'Param' is strongest here.

πŸ”— Mains Connection

Mains GS4 (Ethics): The Paramitas are a perfect example of 'Virtue Ethics' in the Indian tradition. You can quote 'Dana' and 'Sila' as ancient examples of foundational values for public service.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS Β· 2016 Β· Q17 Relevance score: 1.87

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements : 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS Β· 2017 Β· Q53 Relevance score: 1.54

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS Β· 2018 Β· Q44 Relevance score: 1.40

With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements : 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

IAS Β· 2016 Β· Q89 Relevance score: 1.33

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?