With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the foll

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?

Join Our Telegram Channel

The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style

Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas

Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2020

Download PDF Attempt Online

In the cultural history of India, particularly within Buddhism, ‘paramitas’ (Sanskrit) or ‘pāramī’ (Pali) refers to “perfections” or “transcendent virtues”. These are qualities that a Bodhisattva cultivates and perfects over many lifetimes on their path towards Buddhahood (enlightenment). The traditional list includes six paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. Some traditions add four more.

‘Paramitas’ is a core concept in Mahayana Buddhism, representing the virtues essential for the Bodhisattva path to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Option A refers to ancient legal and social treatises in Hinduism. Option B describes philosophical schools that reject Vedic authority, which applies to Buddhism but ‘paramitas’ is a specific practice, not the name for these schools. Option D refers to influential merchant organizations common in various periods of Indian history, especially medieval South India.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-