CDS 2016 (I)

Medieval Tantric Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Consider the following statements: 1. Abhinavagupta wrote a comprehensive treatise called the Tantraloka which systematically presents the teachings of the Kula and Trika systems. 2. The Samaraichchakaha by Haribhadra Suri written in Gujarat around the 8th century is technically not a tantric work but is saturated with tantric ideas and practices. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept This question explores the depth of medieval Indian philosophical and narrative literature, specifically the influence of Tantric traditions across Shaiva and Jain scholarship.

Explanation Abhinavagupta's 'Tantraloka' is the encyclopedia of Kashmiri Shaivism. Haribhadra Suri's 'Samaraichchakaha' is a Jain narrative work that uses tantric imagery and practices to convey its message.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct; Abhinavagupta is the master of the Trika school, and Tantraloka is his magnum opus, synthesizing the Kula and Trika systems.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct; while Haribhadra Suri was a Jain monk, his writing in 8th-century Gujarat reflects the 'tantric age' where even non-tantric texts were deeply influenced by those rituals and concepts.

Active Recall

Question

What are the Kula and Trika systems?

Answer

They are major schools of non-dualistic Shaiva Tantra focusing on the nature of reality and consciousness.

Core Insight

The 8th to 11th centuries represent a 'Tantric Age' in India where tantric terminology permeated almost all religious literary genres.