History • Ancient IndiaMedium
Which of the following ancient Indian texts mentions the four ashramas (stages of life) for the first time in a systematic manner?
A. Rigveda
B. Jabala Upanishad✓ Correct Answer
C. Manusmriti
D. Satapatha Brahmana
💡 Solution & Explanation
The Jabala Upanishad is the earliest extant Vedic text that systematically enumerates and outlines the four stages of human life known as the ashramas: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sanyasa. Earlier Vedic literature like the Rigveda referenced various life roles implicitly, but not in this structured philosophical framework. This text provides crucial evidence for the evolution of ancient Hindu social philosophy.
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