RAS question
Nimbarka propounded which philosophy?
Correct answer: (C) Dvaitadvaita (Dualistic Non-dualism).
Nimbarka propounded Dvaitadvaita, or dualistic non-dualism, a Vedanta view in which souls and matter are real and stand in a relation of both difference and non-difference with Brahman.
Explanation
Nimbarka is associated with Dvaitadvaita, usually explained as dualistic non-dualism. Brahman, souls, and matter are all real, and souls are both different from and identical with Brahman. Britannica supports the same core idea by describing Nimbarka's philosophy as Bhedabheda, because it emphasises both identity and difference of the world and finite souls with brahman. Britannica also says that God, souls, and matter are the three admitted realities, with God as the independent reality and souls and matter dependent on, and pervaded by, God. This is why the option combining dualism and non-dualism fits Nimbarka better than a purely non-dualist or purely dualist label.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Advaita is not the best match because Nimbarka's position does not reduce the relation to non-dualism alone; it stresses both identity and difference with Brahman.
- (B) Shuddhadvaita is wrong here because Encyclopaedia Britannica identifies pure non-dualism with Vallabha, while Nimbarka is placed under Bhedabheda.
- (D) Dvaita is wrong because Britannica treats uncompromising dualism as Madhva's system, whereas Nimbarka's view keeps difference together with non-difference.
Concept
This tests the Vedanta schools within medieval bhakti and Indian philosophy. RAS repeatedly asks such founder-doctrine links because they connect religious movements with their core philosophical vocabulary.