Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

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Question

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — Lokayata and KapalikaStep-by-step Solution:The six orthodox systems (Astika Darshanas) of Indian Philosophy — those that accept the authority of the Vedas — are: (1) Nyaya (founded by Gautama — logic and epistemology); (2) Vaisheshika (Kanada — atomism, physics); (3) Sankhya (Kapila — dualism of Purusha and Prakriti); (4) Yoga (Patanjali — eight-fold path of liberation); (5) Mimamsa/Purva Mimamsa (Jaimini — Vedic ritual interpretation); (6) Vedanta/Uttara Mimamsa (Badarayana/Vyasa — culmination of Vedic philosophy, Upanishadic).Option A (Mimamsa and Vedanta): Both are among the six systems. ✓ (Correct pair)Option B (Nyaya and Vaisheshika): Both are among the six systems. ✓ (Correct pair)Option C (Lokayata and Kapalika): Neither is among the six orthodox systems. Lokayata (also called Charvaka) is a heterodox (Nastika) materialist philosophy that REJECTS the Vedas — it accepts only direct perception as a valid source of knowledge and denies the existence of soul, afterlife, and God. Kapalika is a Shaivite tantric sect (ascetics who carried skulls) — not a philosophical school among the six. Neither belongs to the six Astika Darshanas. ✗ (Does NOT form part of the six systems — correct answer)Option D (Sankhya and Yoga): Both are among the six systems. ✓ (Correct pair)Key Concept: Six Orthodox Darshanas (paired by association): Nyaya-Vaisheshika (pramana/epistemology + atomism); Sankhya-Yoga (theory + practical); Mimamsa-Vedanta (earlier + later Vedic interpretation). Heterodox (Nastika) schools that reject the Vedas: Buddhism, Jainism, Lokayata/Charvaka, Ajivika. Lokayata/Charvaka philosophy: 'Eat, drink, and be merry' — only material world exists; no soul; no afterlife; pursuit of earthly pleasure is the only goal. The six Darshanas form the classical framework of Hindu philosophical thought and continue to be studied in India's Vedic learning traditions.

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

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Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

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