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UPSC CSE Pre 1996

Indian Cosmogony and Philosophy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas, the sequential order of the cycle of four epochs (yugas) is-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Ancient Indian cosmology divides time into cyclical ages known as Yugas. Each Yuga represents a progressive decline in righteousness (Dharma) and physical/mental capabilities.

Explanation Puranic and Epic literature (such as the Mahabharata and Manusmriti) describe the Mahayuga cycle consisting of four specific ages in a descending order of merit.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The first and most perfect age is Krita Yuga (also known as Satya Yuga).
Logic 2: It is followed by Treta Yuga and then Dvapara Yuga.
Logic 3: The cycle concludes with the current age of darkness and moral decline, the Kali Yuga.

Active Recall

Question

What happens to Dharma across the four Yugas?

Answer

Dharma is said to stand on four legs in Krita Yuga, losing one leg in each subsequent age until only one remains in Kali Yuga.

Core Insight

The Yuga system reflects a cyclic rather than linear view of time, a core tenet of ancient Indian philosophical thought.

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