MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaHard

Which of the following philosophical traditions of ancient India posits the existence of dual ultimate realities, namely Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), while explicitly denying the existence of a supreme creator God?

A. Nyaya
B. Vaisheshika
C. Samkhya✓ Correct Answer
D. Mimamsa

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Samkhya school, traditionally founded by the sage Kapila, is a dualistic philosophy that explains the universe through the interaction of insentient Prakriti and manifold conscious Purusha entities, operating without the postulation of an overarching deity. Nyaya and Vaisheshika focus on logic and atomism while accepting a supreme administrator, whereas Mimamsa emphasizes Vedic ritualism. Samkhya concepts significantly influenced early Buddhist and Jain cosmological frameworks.

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