With reference to the cultural history of India

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?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation

Parivrajaka literary means a wandering mendicant, vagrant, recluse, an ascetic. Shramana is also the same. These were the monks or ascetics of the heterodox sects during the early India who didn’t follow the Brahmanical varnashrama dharma. Thus, pair (1) is correct while pair (2) is not correct.

Upasaka means a lay follower of Buddhism. He is the one who believes in the three oaths and follows the Buddha’s doctrine but doesn’t renunciate the material world altogether and doesn't become a Bhikkhu in the Sangha. Thus, pair (3) is correct.

• Exam Year: 2020