Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which of the following statements about the philosopher Shankara is/are correct? 1. Shankara espoused a form of Vedanta called Advaita. 2. He elaborated on the philosophy of Gaudapada. 3. Shankara tried to demonstrate that the Upanishads and Brahmasutras contain a unified, systematic philosophy. 4. Shankara founded the Amanaya Mathas. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Adi Shankara (8th century CE) was the champion of 'Advaita' (Non-dualism), which posits that the individual soul and Brahman are identical.Explanation
Shankara was the disciple of Govinda Bhagavatpada, who was the disciple of Gaudapada. Shankara’s commentaries (Bhashyas) on the Prasthanatrayi sought to prove a singular, non-dualistic message across Vedic texts.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. Advaita is his signature contribution to Indian thought.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct. Shankara's work built upon Gaudapada's *Mandukya Karika*.
Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct. His main project was the synthesis of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras into a logical system.
Logic 4: Statement 4 is incorrect in its specific name. He founded the four Amnaya Mathas (monastic seats) at Puri, Dwarka, Joshimath, and Sringeri, but the spelling/terminology 'Amanaya' in the prompt is often considered a distractor or typo in competitive exams, or refers to his disciples completing the establishment.