The World's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister

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UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2022 UPSC Prelims History paper.

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Question

The World's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A — The best means of salvation was devotionStep-by-step Solution:Sri Ramanujacharya (c. 1017–1137 CE) was a Tamil Brahmin philosopher and social reformer who was born in Tamil Nadu in the 11th century. He is the chief exponent of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism) — a Vedantic philosophical school.Core teachings of Ramanuja: (1) Bhakti (devotion) as the supreme path to salvation — Ramanuja held that intense, unwavering devotion to Vishnu (Bhagavan) is the best means of attaining moksha (liberation/salvation). He was deeply influenced by the Alvars (Tamil Vaishnava bhakti saints) and advocated bhakti yoga over jnana yoga or karma yoga as the direct path to God. ✓(2) Vishishtadvaita philosophy — Reality is one (Brahman/Vishnu) but characterised by real attributes and distinctions; individual souls (jivas) and the material world (jagat) are real but form the 'body' of God. (3) Universal salvation — he spoke of salvation for all, regardless of caste, through devotion. (4) Social reform — he opposed caste discrimination in devotional practice.The 'Statue of Equality' — a 216-feet tall sitting statue of Ramanujacharya — was inaugurated at Hyderabad in February 2022, marking the 1000th birth anniversary of the saint. It is made of 'Panchaloha' (five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc).Why other options are incorrect:Option B (Vedas are eternal and wholly authoritative): This is a teaching of the Mimamsa school — particularly associated with thinkers like Jaimini, not Ramanuja specifically.Option C (Logical arguments essential for highest bliss): This is closer to the Nyaya school of philosophy or Mimamsa — not Ramanuja's emphasis on bhakti.Option D (Salvation through meditation): Emphasis on meditation (dhyana/samadhi) is more characteristic of yoga philosophy or Advaita Vedanta (Shankara). Ramanuja emphasised bhakti over meditation.Key Concept: Key Vedanta philosophers: Adi Shankaracharya (8th century) — Advaita (pure non-dualism); Ramanujacharya (11th century) — Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism, bhakti path); Madhvacharya (13th century) — Dvaita (dualism). Ramanuja's influence: Inspired Bhakti poets — Annamacharya, Kabir, Mirabai, Ramdas, Thyagaraja. He is considered the unifier of South Indian Vaishnavism and founded Sri Vaishnavism.

The World's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?

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The World's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?

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