Question 9 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ART & CULTURE

Question

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 and 3 only

Strategy: - Identify the historical and doctrinal significance of each term.
- `Parivrajaka` means a renunciant wanderer (Statement 1 is correct).
- `Shramana` refers to ascetics and heterodox spiritual seekers, not high-status priests (Statement 2 is incorrect).
- `Upasaka` is a lay follower in Buddhism (Statement 3 is correct).
- Eliminate options that include Statement 2.

Key Info: **Parivrajaka**: Literally meaning 'one who wanders' (from Sanskrit 'pari' + 'vraj' - to roam), this term refers to a class of religious mendicants or ascetics who renounced household life, choosing a life of itinerant wandering and meditation. The concept existed in both orthodox (Upanishadic) and heterodox (Buddhist, Jain) traditions.

**Shramana**: Derived from the root 'shram' (to exert oneself spiritually), Shramana denotes a movement of non-Vedic ascetic traditions in ancient India, including Buddhists, Jainas, and Ajivikas. Shramanas were ascetic seekers and teachers who challenged Vedic rituals and priestly (Brahminical) authority, emphasizing renunciation, meditation, and personal spiritual striving. They were not priests or individuals of high ritual status in the Vedic sense.

**Upasaka**: 'Upasaka' (male) and 'Upasika' (female) are terms from Buddhist tradition referring to lay followers--individuals who believe in the Buddha's teachings but do not undertake monastic vows. Upasakas supported the Sangha (community of monks) through material offerings and followed basic moral precepts. The distinction between lay followers and ordained members is fundamental to Buddhist monasticism.

## Cultural Context
The rise of Shramana movements around the 6th century BCE marked a major spiritual shift in Indian civilization, resulting in enduring traditions outside Brahmanical orthodoxy. These categories (ascetic monks, lay followers, renunciants) remain key to understanding the religious and social history of ancient India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer Shramana - Priest with a high status Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:

Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer

Shramana - Priest with a high status

Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?