UPSC Prelims 2020 Q71: Ancient History – Buddhism & Jainism
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Buddhist Terms: Cultural History Matching
| Term | Meaning | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| Parivrajak | Renunciant and Wanderer | YES |
| Shramana | Priest with high status | NO - Shramana = ascetic/renunciant, NOT high-status priest |
| Upasaka | Lay follower of Buddhism | YES |
Parivrajak: (Sanskrit: Parivrajaka) = wandering ascetic, renunciant who leaves home for spiritual pursuit (common in both Jainism + Buddhism).
Shramana: (Sanskrit: Sramana) = ascetic/renunciant; umbrella term for monks/nuns/ascetics in Jainism + Buddhism (Buddhist/Jain shramanas had lower social status than Brahmin priests in Vedic hierarchy initially).
Upasaka: (Sanskrit: Upasaka) = lay devotee/follower of Buddha; NOT ordained but practicing Buddhist.
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only - Parivrajak + Upasaka correctly matched. Shramana is mismatched.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) CORRECT. Parivrajak (1 - renunciant wanderer) and Upasaka (3 - lay follower) are correctly matched. Shramana (2) is wrongly defined as 'priest with high status.'
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is wrong.
Key point
Buddhist renunciant hierarchy: Shramana (generic ascetic/renunciant) > Bhikkhu/Bhikkhuni (ordained monk/nun) > Upasaka/Upasika (lay follower). Shramana is NOT high-status priest; actually non-Vedic, seen as outsider initially.
Remember
In cultural history: Parivrajak = renunciant wanderer (Statement 1 correct, correctly matched). Shramana = ascetic/renunciant, NOT high-status priest (Statement 2 wrong). Upasaka = lay Buddhist follower (Statement 3 correct, correctly matched). Answer: 1 and 3 only.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Shramana (renunciant) with Brahmin priest. Shramanas were non-orthodox, low status pre-Buddhism.
- Assuming all Buddhist terms are exclusive to Buddhism. Shramana applies to Jainism too.
- Missing Parivrajak's wandering ascetic connotation - predates Buddhism (existed in Vedic period).
Exam tip
Vedic society vs Shramanic traditions: Vedic = Brahmin priests (high status). Shramanic (Jain/Buddhist) = ascetics (low status initially). Buddhism elevated shramanas' social standing.
Sources
- Buddhist Texts - Pali Canon Terminology
- Max Weber - Religion of India (Chapter on Buddhism vs Brahminism)