Q22.
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas. 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer
B
Explanation
Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the authority of the Vedas (statement 2) and denied the efficacy of Vedic rituals (statement 3). However, only Buddhism advocated the Middle Path — avoidance of both extremities of penance and enjoyment (statement 1). Jainism actually advocated severe asceticism and penance. So statement 1 is NOT common to both.