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CDS 2022 (II)

Brahminical Schools

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

To which one of the following schools of philosophy did Kumarila Prabhakara belong?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Kumarila Bhatta (often linked with his student Prabhakara) was a giant of Indian philosophy who revitalized the school of Vedic interpretation in the 7th century.

Explanation He belonged to the Purva-Mimamsa school, which argues that the Vedas are the sole and eternal source of valid knowledge. He is famous for his logical defense of Vedic sacrifices against Buddhist critiques.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. He founded the 'Bhatta' school within Purva-Mimamsa, while his student Prabhakara founded the 'Prabhakara' school.
Logic 2: Lokayata (A) is materialism. Madhyamika (B) is Buddhist emptiness. Uttara-Mimamsa (D) is the later school of Vedanta focusing on knowledge rather than action.

Active Recall

Question

What was Kumarila's main philosophical goal?

Answer

To prove the absolute authority of the Vedas as a self-validating source of knowledge that does not require human or divine authorship.

Core Insight

Kumarila’s logical defense of the Vedas paved the way for Adi Shankara's subsequent philosophical victory over Buddhism.

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