UPSC Prelims 2014 Q47: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
- (a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
- (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
- (c) Lokayata and Kapalika
- (d) Sankhya and Yoga
Answer: (c) Lokayata and Kapalika
Explanation
Six systems of Indian Philosophy (Shad-darshana)
The six orthodox (astika) systems accept the authority of the Vedas.
| System | Founder | Core idea |
|---|---|---|
| Nyaya | Gautama | Logic and reasoning |
| Vaisheshika | Kanada | Atoms as the basis of matter |
| Sankhya | Kapila | Dualism of Purusha and Prakriti |
| Yoga | Patanjali | Discipline of body and mind |
| Mimamsa | Jaimini | Vedic rituals |
| Vedanta | Badarayana | Brahman and the Upanishads |
The pair that does not belong:
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| Lokayata (Charvaka) | A materialist school that rejects the Vedas |
| Kapalika | A Shaiva tantric sect, not a philosophical system |
The six are usually paired as Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Sankhya-Yoga and Mimamsa-Vedanta.
Answer: (c) Lokayata and Kapalika.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Mimamsa and Vedanta are two of the six systems.
- (b) Incorrect. Nyaya and Vaisheshika are two of the six systems.
- (c) CORRECT. Lokayata and Kapalika are not part of the six systems.
- (d) Incorrect. Sankhya and Yoga are two of the six systems.
Key point
Six systems: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta. Lokayata (Charvaka) is materialist and heterodox; Kapalika is a Shaiva sect.
Remember
Lokayata and Kapalika are outside the six systems.
Common mistakes
- Missing the word 'not' in the question.
- Confusing Kapalika with Kapila, founder of Sankhya.
- Counting Buddhism, Jainism or Charvaka among the six.
Exam tip
Three pairs make six: Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Sankhya-Yoga, Mimamsa-Vedanta.
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)