Ancient Indian Social and Religious Terms

Parivrajaka, Shramana, Upasaka: Terminology Explained

Parivrajaka refers to a renunciant wanderer, while Upasaka refers to a lay follower of Buddhism. Shramanas were non-Vedic seekers, not high-status priests.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I

Archived: 2020

Updated: 1 Jan 2026

Exam Year

2020

Evidence Source

Link ↗

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana - Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2020]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Ancient Indian social structure included various categories of seekers and followers outside the traditional Vedic household life.

Authentic Source Evidence

NCERT defines 'Shramana' as a seeker or one who performs acts of austerity, often in opposition to the Brahminical priest. 'Parivrajaka' denotes a homeless wanderer, and 'Upasaka' refers to the laity.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Pair 1 is correct. A Parivrajaka is a mendicant who has renounced worldly life to wander in search of truth.

Logic 2: Pair 2 is incorrect. Shramanas were actually a challenge to the high-status Brahminical priests; they were non-Vedic seekers (including monks of Buddhism/Jainism).

Logic 3: Pair 3 is correct. Upasaka (male) and Upasika (female) were lay devotees who supported the Sangha without becoming monks.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did the Shramana tradition differ from the Vedic tradition?"

The Shramana tradition emphasized personal effort and asceticism over Vedic rituals and hereditary priesthood.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Shramana movement was a major socio-religious revolution that gave birth to Jainism, Buddhism, and Ajivika philosophies."

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With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer2. Shramana - Priest with a high status3. Upasaka - Lay follower of BuddhismWhich of the pairs given above are correctly matched?