With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
Term Description
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?

1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

APEDIA

UPSC Prelims

2020 • 04 Oct, 2020 • Paper-1

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term	Description
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?

Correct Answer

1 and 3 only

Parivrajaka Meaning: In ancient Indian tradition, a 'Parivrajaka' literally translates to one who roams around. It refers to a wandering ascetic or monk who has......

💡 Analysis & Explanation

Parivrajaka Meaning ▼

In ancient Indian tradition, a 'Parivrajaka' literally translates to one who roams around. It refers to a wandering ascetic or monk who has renounced materialistic societal life. Pair 1 is correctly matched.

Shramana Context ▼

The Shramana tradition arose as an ascetic, anti-Vedic, non-orthodox movement (including Jainism, Buddhism, and Ajivikas). Shramanas were wandering monks or seekers, standing in direct opposition to the established, high-status Brahmanical priesthood. Thus, defining them as priests with high status is factually antithetical to their historical reality. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

Upasaka Role ▼

In Buddhism, while the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis form the monastic order, the 'Upasakas' (male) and 'Upasikas' (female) are the devoted lay followers who adhere to Buddhist precepts while living a normal household life. Pair 3 is correctly matched.

Conclusion ▼

Pairs 1 and 3 represent accurate historical descriptions.

Choose Language

See you soon!

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:TermDescription1. ParivrajakaRenunciant and Wanderer2. ShramanaPriest with a high status3. UpasakaLay follower of BuddhismWhich of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
Term Description
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?