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The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them?
1. Shruti is considered eternal, whereas Smriti is subject to change.
2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.
Which of the above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Sh...
  • Shruti describes the sacred texts comprising the central canon of Hinduism, viz., Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.
  • Smriti literally means 'which is remembered', and it is the entire body of the post-Vedic era.
  • Classical Sanskrit literature comprises Vedanga, Shad Darshana, Puranas, Itihasa, Upveda, Tantras, Agamas and Upangs. There is another post-Vedic class of Sanskrit literature called Epics, which includes the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
  • Shruti means 'which has been heard' and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves.
  • Smriti means 'which has been remembered' supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti.
  • However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others.
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The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Sh...
The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.

Shruti and Smriti are two categories of texts in the Vedic literature. They have distinct characteristics and serve different purposes within the Hindu religious tradition.

1. Shruti - Eternal and Unchanging:
- Shruti refers to the sacred texts that are believed to be directly revealed by the divine beings and heard by ancient sages during their deep meditative states.
- These texts are considered eternal and unchanging. They are considered to be the ultimate authority in Hinduism and are regarded as divine revelations.
- The four Vedas - Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda - are the most important texts in the Shruti category. They contain hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical insights.
- The content of Shruti texts is considered to be of divine origin and is believed to have been passed down orally from one generation to another for thousands of years without any alterations. Hence, Shruti literature is considered infallible and cannot be changed.

2. Smriti - Subject to Change:
- Smriti refers to the texts that are based on human memory and are considered to be derived from Shruti texts.
- Smriti texts include the famous epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the Puranas, the Dharmashastras, and other secondary texts.
- Unlike Shruti, Smriti texts are not considered to be of divine origin but are composed by human authors.
- The content of Smriti texts can vary and change over time as they are influenced by societal, cultural, and historical factors.
- Smriti texts provide guidelines and codes of conduct for individuals and society, including moral, ethical, and legal principles.
- While Shruti texts are considered to be infallible, Smriti texts are not absolute and can be revised or updated in response to changing circumstances.

In summary, the key difference between Shruti and Smriti is that Shruti texts are considered eternal and unchanging, believed to be of divine origin, and are the ultimate authority in Hinduism. On the other hand, Smriti texts are subject to change, composed by human authors, and provide guidelines and codes of conduct for individuals and society.
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The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them? 1. Shruti is considered eternal, whereas Smriti is subject to change.2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.Which of the above is/are correct?a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them? 1. Shruti is considered eternal, whereas Smriti is subject to change.2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.Which of the above is/are correct?a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them? 1. Shruti is considered eternal, whereas Smriti is subject to change.2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.Which of the above is/are correct?a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories, viz., Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them? 1. Shruti is considered eternal, whereas Smriti is subject to change.2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.Which of the above is/are correct?a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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