UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2020

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?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 3 only

Explanation

A parivrajaka is a wandering ascetic and an upasaka is a lay follower of Buddhism. A shramana is an ascetic or renunciant who rejected Vedic ritual authority, not a high-status priest.

Topics: ancient india, history, parivrajaka, religious movements - buddhism & jainism, shramana & upasaka