Question 70 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Culture

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Lokayata and Kapalika

Strategy: Recall the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Identify any options that include heterodox schools like Lokayata (Charvaka) or non-philosophical sects like Kapalika. The correct answer will be the option containing entities outside this orthodox group.

Key Info: **The Six Systems (Shad-Darshanas)**
The six orthodox (astika) schools of Indian philosophy are collectively known as the Shad-Darshanas. Each system accepts the authority of the Vedas.

-   **Nyaya:** The school of logic.
-   **Vaisheshika:** The school of atomism.
-   **Sankhya:** The school of enumeration.
-   **Yoga:** The school of discipline.
-   **Mimamsa:** The school of ritual exegesis.
-   **Vedanta:** The school of Upanishadic philosophy, or the "end of the Vedas."

**Other Traditions**
Other important Indian traditions are classified as heterodox (nastika) because they do not accept the authority of the Vedas.

-   **Lokayata (Charvaka):** A materialistic and atheistic school.
-   **Buddhism and Jainism:** Major nastika schools that fall outside the six systems classification.
-   **Kapalika:** A Shaivite sect known for esoteric rituals, not considered a major philosophical system.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Mimamsa and Vedanta

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Nyaya and Vaisheshika

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Sankhya and Yoga