RAS question
Consider the following about the six schools (Shad Darshanas) of Indian philosophy: 1. Nyaya school founded by Gautama is known for its theory of inference (anumana) 2. Vaisheshika school is known for its atomic theory of matter (paramanu) 3. Samkhya school is dualistic and proposes Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) as two eternal realities How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct answer: (C) All three.
In the Shad Darshanas, Nyaya is associated with Gautama and inference, Vaisheshika with atomic theory based on paramanu, and Samkhya with the dual realities of Purusha and Prakriti; therefore, the correct count is 3.
Explanation
All three statements are correct. Nyaya is associated with Gautama and accepts perception, inference, comparison and verbal testimony as means of valid knowledge; therefore, its link with inference is correct. Vaisheshika is associated with Kanada. In its atomic theory, paramanu is an indivisible and eternal particle of matter, and physical objects arise from combinations of atoms. Samkhya is associated with Kapila and is dualistic because it recognizes Purusha and Prakriti as two ultimate realities. Prakriti is the ultimate cause of objects, while Purusha is pure consciousness. Therefore, the correct count is 3.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) A is incorrect because all three relations are correct, not just one: Nyaya with inference, Vaisheshika with atomic theory, and Samkhya with Purusha-Prakriti dualism.
- (B) B is incorrect because it counts only two; the third relation is also correct, as Samkhya recognizes Purusha and Prakriti as separate ultimate realities.
- (D) D is incorrect because each of the three relations—Nyaya with inference, Vaisheshika with atomic theory, and Samkhya with Purusha-Prakriti dualism—is correct.
Concept
This item tests the basic identification of the Shad Darshanas by matching schools with their founders and key doctrines. In RAS, statement-count questions often combine founders, means of knowledge, metaphysical principles and theories of matter in one item.