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U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015

Ancient Indian Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Puranas are encyclopedic religious texts that must satisfy five thematic requirements known as 'Pancha Lakshana' to be categorized as a Mahapurana.

Explanation The Matsya Purana specifies these five: 1. Sarga (Creation), 2. Pratisarga (Dissolution/Renewal), 3. Vansa (Genealogy), 4. Manvantara (Cosmic cycles), and 5. Vanshanucharita (Royal dynasties).

Logical Breakup
Option B is Correct: These five indicators define the structure and content of the Puranic genre.
Logic: Sarga/Pratisarga handle cosmology; Vansa/Vanshanucharita handle history/genealogy; Manvantara handles sacred time.

Active Recall

Question

What does 'Manvantara' represent in Puranic time?

Answer

It represents a vast period of time presided over by a specific patriarch (Manu).

Core Insight

The Puranas were instrumental in integrating diverse tribal and local traditions into the broader Brahmanical fold through these shared structures.

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