UPSC Prelims 2024 Question on – Upanishads vs Puranas – Ancient Indian Literature
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. There are parables in Upanishads.
2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 – Incorrect: While Upanishads mainly contain philosophical dialogues between teacher and student, some Upanishads do include parables (e.g., stories in Chhandogya and Kathopanishad). Hence, the statement as framed is incorrect.
Statement 2 – Correct: Upanishads are part of the later Vedic literature (c. 1000–600 BCE), whereas the Puranas were compiled much later (around 200 CE).
