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U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2005

Classification of Indian Philosophy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following is the distinctive features of a nastika and astika system in India?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept In the Indian intellectual tradition, the classification of philosophical schools into Astika and Nastika is not based on theism (belief in God) but on epistemology and tradition.

Explanation Astika (Orthodox) schools like Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta accept the Vedas as a supreme source of valid knowledge. Nastika (Heterodox) schools like Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka reject Vedic authority.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. The presence or absence of a creator God (A) is not the criteria; for example, the Samkhya and Mimamsa schools are Astika but traditionally atheistic.
Logic 2: Belief in rebirth (B) is common to both Astika and Nastika (except Charvaka). The deciding factor is solely whether they accept the Vedas as an authoritative scripture.

Active Recall

Question

Can an Astika school be atheistic?

Answer

Yes, schools like Samkhya and Purva Mimamsa are considered Astika because they accept the Vedas, even though they do not posit a creator God.

Core Insight

The Astika-Nastika distinction defines 'orthodoxy' in the Indian context as loyalty to the Vedic heritage rather than adherence to a specific theology.

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