Question

What social and philosophical conditions contributed to the rise of Heterodox schools in ancient India?

• A. The popularity of temple architecture and devotion to personal gods
• B. A reaction to ritualism, spiritual idealism, clerical dominance, and caste injustices in orthodox systems
• C. The decline of oral traditions and the spread of written scriptures
• D. The unification of various orthodox schools under a single doctrine

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A reaction to ritualism, spiritual idealism, clerical dominance, and caste injustices in orthodox systems

Heterodox Schools of Indian Philosophy The Sramaṇa movement gave rise to a variety of non-orthodox philosophical traditions. These schools, known as nāstika, are characterized by their rejection of the authority of the Vedas, which distinguishes them from the orthodox (āstika) systems. Heterodox philosophies emerged as a response to the rigid ritualism, excessive spiritualism, world-denying idealism, dominant clerical authority, and the injustices of the caste system prevalent in orthodox thought. The main branches of Heterodox Indian philosophy include: Buddhist Philosophy Jain Philosophy Charvaka (Lokayata) Philosophy Ajivika Philosophy Ajnana Philosophy