Look at the following forms of ancient education.

1.Para vidya: the supreme or highest knowledge, for self-realization or knowledge of the supreme self.

2.Apara vidya: the lower knowledge, of the four Vedas, six Vedangas, etc.

AOnly 1 is correct

BOnly 2 is correct

CBoth 1 and 2 are correct ✓ Correct

DBoth 1 and 2 are incorrect

Correct answer: (C) Both 1 and 2 are correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct, Para vidya is the supreme or higher knowledge aimed at self-realization or knowledge of the supreme self.

Statement 2 is correct, Apara vidya is the lower knowledge comprising the four Vedas, six Vedangas and similar disciplines.

This twofold classification of knowledge appears in the Mundaka Upanishad.

Para vidya leads to liberation while Apara vidya covers worldly and textual learning.

Both were regarded as necessary stages in the ancient scheme of education.

The six Vedangas include phonetics, grammar, metre, etymology, astronomy and ritual.

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