UPSC Prelims 2013 Q58: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following
statements regarding Sankhya school :
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self - knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior
influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Sankhya school of philosophy
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul | Incorrect | Sankhya accepts rebirth; the soul is bound until it gains knowledge |
| 2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent | Correct | Liberation comes from knowing that Purusha is distinct from Prakriti |
About Sankhya:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kapila |
| Core idea | Dualism: Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter) |
| Three gunas | Sattva, rajas, tamas |
| God | Early Sankhya has no creator God |
| Pair | Twin of the Yoga school |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Sankhya does accept rebirth.
- (b) CORRECT. Sankhya holds that self-knowledge leads to liberation.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true.
Key point
Sankhya (Kapila): dualism of Purusha and Prakriti; three gunas; accepts rebirth; liberation through knowledge; no creator God.
Remember
Sankhya: rebirth yes, liberation by knowledge.
Common mistakes
- Thinking an atheistic school must also deny rebirth.
- Confusing Sankhya with Charvaka, which does deny rebirth.
- Forgetting the pair Purusha and Prakriti.
Exam tip
Only the Charvaka (Lokayata) school denies rebirth. All six orthodox systems accept it.
Sources
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India (Religion: the six systems of salvation)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)