With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
- (a) Shramana
- (b) Parivraajaka
- (c) Agrahaarika
- (d) Maagadha ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Magadhas were bards and chroniclers who, with the sutas, memorised and recited royal genealogies, dynastic histories and epic tales at courts and sacrifices — option (d).
• Shramanas (a) were ascetic seekers; parivrajakas (b) wandering renunciants; agraharikas (c) Brahmins holding agrahara land grants.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Shramana
- Shramanas were ascetics, not bards.
- (b) Parivraajaka
- Parivrajakas were wandering renunciants.
- (c) Agrahaarika
- Agraharikas were land-grant holders.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.