Ancient History
2020
Buddhism and Jainism
Indian Philosophies

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?

D.1, 2 and 3
A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only

Correct Answer: Option B

A Parivrajaka is a "roaming ascetic" or a wandering religious mendicant. This term applies to Buddhist, Jain monks, and Hindu sanyasins.

The Shramana tradition included various ascetic groups like Buddhism, Jainism, and other 'heterodox' sects. Shramanas did not consider Brahmins to be of the highest status.

Upasakas and Upasikas refer to lay followers of religions like Buddhism and Jainism who have not been initiated into renunciatory orders.

Therefore, Pair 1 and Pair 3 are correctly matched. Pair 2 is not correctly matched.

Hence, the correct answer is b: 1 and 3 only.