Static Quiz 25 February 2026 (Ancient History)

Q1.consider the following statements:

1. Both Samkhya and Yoga accept Purusha and Prakriti as distinct realities.
2. Nyaya and Vaisheshika both uphold atomism and accept God as the efficient cause of the universe.
3. Mimamsa and Vedanta both derive authority from the Upanishads.

Which of the above statements are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Q1. (A)

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct

• Samkhya (Kapila) is strict dualism: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) are eternally distinct.
• Yoga (Patanjali) adopts the same metaphysical framework.
• Difference: Yoga introduces Ishvara as a special Purusha.

Statement 2 – Correct

• Vaisheshika (Kanada): Atomism central; atoms are eternal material cause.
• Nyaya (Akshapada Gautama): Accepts atomism and strong theism.
• In both: God = efficient cause, not material cause

Statement 3 – Incorrect

• Purva Mimamsa (Jaimini) derives authority mainly from Samhita & Brahmana portions.
• Vedanta is based primarily on Upanishads.
• Hence both do not equally derive authority from Upanishads

Q2.  

Assertion (A): Classical Samkhya does not require the existence of God for explaining the universe.
Reason (R): Samkhya explains the evolution of the universe through the interaction of Purusha and Prakriti based on Satkaryavada.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

Q2. (A)

Explanation:

Assertion – Correct

• Classical Samkhya is non-theistic.

Reason – Correct

• Based on Satkaryavada: effect pre-exists in cause.
• Evolution occurs automatically from Prakriti in presence of Purusha.
• No divine intervention required.

Reason correctly explains Assertion.

Q3.

With reference to the Samkhya school, consider the following statements:

1. It accepts Satkaryavada as its theory of causation.
2. It recognises Ishvara as the efficient cause of the universe.
3. It enumerates 25 Tattvas explaining evolution of reality.

How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None

Q3. (B)

Explanation:

1. Accepts Satkaryavada — Correct

• Core causal theory of Samkhya.

2. Recognises Ishvara as efficient cause — Incorrect

• Classical Samkhya is non-theistic.

3. Enumerates 25 Tattvas — Correct

• Includes Prakriti, Mahat, Ahamkara, Tanmatras, Mahabhutas, Indriyas, Manas and Purusha.

Q4.

With reference to the Yoga school, consider the following statements:

1. It rejects the metaphysical framework of Samkhya.
2. It defines Yoga as “Chitta-vritti-nirodha.”
3. It considers Ishvara as a special Purusha.

How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None

Q4. (B)

Explanation:
1. Rejects Samkhya metaphysics — Incorrect

• Yoga is metaphysically dependent on Samkhya.

2. “Chitta-vritti-nirodha” — Correct

• Found in Yoga Sutra I.2.

3. Ishvara as special Purusha — Correct

• Unique contribution of Yoga.

Yoga = Practical discipline built on Samkhya + Ishvara.

Q5.

With reference to Vedanta, consider the following statements:

1. It is also known as Poorva Mimamsa.
2. Its foundational texts include Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutra.
3. All Vedanta traditions accept strict non-dualism (Advaita).

How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None

Q5. (A)

Explanation:
1. Vedanta is Poorva Mimamsa — Incorrect

• Vedanta = Uttara Mimamsa.

2. Foundational texts: Upanishads, Gita, Brahma Sutra — Correct

• Known as Prasthanatrayi.
• Brahma Sutra attributed to Vyasa.

3. All Vedanta traditions are Advaita — Incorrect

• Only Advaita (Adi Shankaracharya) is strict non-dualism.
• Others: Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja), Dvaita (Madhvacharya).

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