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UP RO/ARO Prelims 2017

Ancient Indian Philosophical Schools

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: | List-I | List-II | | :--- | :--- | | A. Lakulisa | 1. Ajivaka | | B. Nagarjuna | 2. Sunyavada | | C. Bhadrabahu | 3. Pasupat | | D. Gosala | 4. Jain |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ancient India saw the rise of diverse 'Sramana' and 'Brahmanical' schools of thought ranging from atheistic fatalism to refined logic.

Explanation Lakulisa is the traditional founder of the Pashupata sect of Shaivism. Nagarjuna is the father of the Madhyamika school. Bhadrabahu was the guru of Chandragupta Maurya and a Jain saint. Makkhali Gosala founded the Ajivika sect.

Logical Breakup
Lakulisa (3): Associated with the Pasupata sect, the oldest school of Shaivism.
Nagarjuna (2): Propounded Sunyavada (Doctrine of Emptiness) in Mahayana Buddhism.
Bhadrabahu (4): A major Jain Digambara leader who migrated to South India.
Gosala (1): Founder of the Ajivaka sect, emphasizing 'Niyati' or fatalism.

Active Recall

Question

What was the core belief of the Ajivika sect founded by Gosala?

Answer

The Ajivikas believed in 'Niyati' (Fate), arguing that the entire universe is conditioned and determined by cosmic forces, leaving no room for free will.

Core Insight

The coexistence of these schools highlights the intellectual pluralism of ancient India, where theistic, atheistic, and nihilistic philosophies debated openly.

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