With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of…

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?
  1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
  2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
  3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
  4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Solution

Paramitas are the perfections (generosity, conduct, patience, energy, meditation, wisdom, etc.) cultivated by Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism on the path to enlightenment. Answer: (c).

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2020

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