Previous Year Question
Which of the following pairs (School of Thought–Proponent) is correctly matched?
Uttara Mimansa — Kapila
Mimansa — Kanada
Nyaya — Gautama
Vaisheshika — Patanjali
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The six principal orthodox philosophical traditions of ancient India are generally known as the Shad-Darshanas—Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta.
(c) Nyaya — Gautama: This pair is correct. Akshapada Gautama is traditionally regarded as the author of the Nyaya Sutra and the foundational teacher of the Nyaya school. Nyaya places particular emphasis on the means of valid knowledge, logic, inference, debate and the attainment of liberation through true knowledge.
(a) Uttara Mimansa — Kapila: This pair is incorrect. Uttara Mimamsa is also known as Vedanta, and the Brahma Sutra is traditionally attributed to Badarayana. Kapila is associated with the Samkhya school.
(b) Mimansa — Kanada: This pair is incorrect. Jaimini is traditionally regarded as the author of the Mimamsa Sutra and the founder of Purva Mimamsa. Kanada is associated with the Vaisheshika school.
(d) Vaisheshika — Patanjali: This pair is also incorrect. Vaisheshika is associated with Kanada, whereas Patanjali is associated with the Yoga school and the Yoga Sutra.
Thus, the principal matches are—
Nyaya — Gautama
Vaisheshika — Kanada
Samkhya — Kapila
Yoga — Patanjali
Purva Mimamsa — Jaimini
Uttara Mimamsa/Vedanta — Badarayana