UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

Consider the following statements: 1. There are no parables in Upanishads. 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

2 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Upanishads do contain illustrative stories and parables used to explain philosophical ideas; examples include teaching narratives involving Uddalaka Aruni and Shvetaketu. Statement 2 is correct: the principal early Upanishads generally predate the Puranas, whose major compilations and redactions developed over a later period. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

Topics: ancient indian literature, history, upanishads and puranas, vedic and post-vedic texts