UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2020

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?

  1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
  2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
  3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
  4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Answer

Correct Answer

Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

Explanation

The paramitas are the perfections (such as generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom) that a bodhisattva cultivates on the path to Buddhahood. They were first six and later ten.

Topics: ancient india, history, paramitas - bodhisattva path (mahayana), religious movements - buddhism