Consider the following statements regarding the Upanishadic idea of the soul: 1. Thinkers felt there was something permanent in the universe that lasted after death. 2. They believed that ultimately, the atman and the brahman were distinct and never unified. 3. Many of these ideas were recorded in later Vedic texts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Upanishads, often referred to as Vedanta (the end of the Vedas), represent the philosophical culmination of Vedic thought. Composed primarily in the Later Vedic period (c. 800–500 BCE), they shift focus from the ritualistic details of the Brahmanas to abstract inquiries regarding the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the universal spirit (Brahman). Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. Upanishadic thinkers were deeply concerned with what happens after death and the nature of existence. They concluded that there is a permanent, unchanging essence in the universe that survives the destruction of the physical body. This eternal entity was identified as the individual soul or Atman. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. The core philosophy of the Upanishads revolves around the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman). Contrary to the statement, the Upanishads famously teach that the Atman and Brahman are ultimately one. Expressions such as "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou Art That) emphasize the unity and identification of the individual self with the cosmic reality, rather than their permanent separation. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Upanishads are an integral part of the Vedic corpus. They are classified as Later Vedic texts, chronologically following the Vedas (Samhitas) and Brahmanas. These philosophical dialogues and ideas were recorded in these texts, which served as the foundation for later schools of Indian philosophy. Key Takeaway The central theme of the Upanishads is the inquiry into the nature of the self (Atman) and its ultimate unity with the absolute reality (Brahman), marking a transition from external ritualism to internal spiritual knowledge.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 6: New questions and ideas

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Upanishadic idea of the soul:

Thinkers felt there was something permanent in the universe that lasted after death.
They believed that ultimately, the atman and the brahman were distinct and never unified.
Many of these ideas were recorded in later Vedic texts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Upanishads, often referred to as Vedanta (the end of the Vedas), represent the philosophical culmination of Vedic thought. Composed primarily in the Later Vedic period (c. 800–500 BCE), they shift focus from the ritualistic details of the Brahmanas to abstract inquiries regarding the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the universal spirit (Brahman).

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct.
Upanishadic thinkers were deeply concerned with what happens after death and the nature of existence. They concluded that there is a permanent, unchanging essence in the universe that survives the destruction of the physical body. This eternal entity was identified as the individual soul or Atman.
Statement 2 is Incorrect.
The core philosophy of the Upanishads revolves around the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman). Contrary to the statement, the Upanishads famously teach that the Atman and Brahman are ultimately one. Expressions such as "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou Art That) emphasize the unity and identification of the individual self with the cosmic reality, rather than their permanent separation.
Statement 3 is Correct.
The Upanishads are an integral part of the Vedic corpus. They are classified as Later Vedic texts, chronologically following the Vedas (Samhitas) and Brahmanas. These philosophical dialogues and ideas were recorded in these texts, which served as the foundation for later schools of Indian philosophy.

Key Takeaway
The central theme of the Upanishads is the inquiry into the nature of the self (Atman) and its ultimate unity with the absolute reality (Brahman), marking a transition from external ritualism to internal spiritual knowledge.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: New questions and ideas

With reference to the life of Siddhartha (Gautama Buddha), consider the following statements: 1. He belonged to a small gana known as the Sakya gana. 2. He was a brahmin by birth who renounced his status to seek knowledge. 3. He attained enlightenment under a peepal tree at Sarnath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The term ‘Tanha’ used in the teachings of the Buddha refers to:

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the teachings of the Buddha: 1. He taught in the Sanskrit language to ensure purity of the message. 2. He believed that the results of our actions (karma) affect us both in this life and the next. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which one of the following ancient texts contains the famous story of the "Wise Beggar" (Shaunaka and Abhipratarin)?

medium

With reference to the Upanishadic thinkers, consider the following statements: 1. Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, especially brahmins and rajas. 2. Gargi was a woman thinker famous for her learning who participated in royal court debates. 3. Satyakama Jabala was a famous thinker named after his mother, who was a slave woman. 4. Poor people were strictly prohibited from ever participating in discussions on philosophy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Keep practising Chapter 6: New questions and ideas

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 History chapters

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct.
Upanishadic thinkers were deeply concerned with what happens after death and the nature of existence. They concluded that there is a permanent, unchanging essence in the universe that survives the destruction of the physical body. This eternal entity was identified as the individual soul or Atman.
Statement 2 is Incorrect.
The core philosophy of the Upanishads revolves around the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman). Contrary to the statement, the Upanishads famously teach that the Atman and Brahman are ultimately one. Expressions such as "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou Art That) emphasize the unity and identification of the individual self with the cosmic reality, rather than their permanent separation.
Statement 3 is Correct.
The Upanishads are an integral part of the Vedic corpus. They are classified as Later Vedic texts, chronologically following the Vedas (Samhitas) and Brahmanas. These philosophical dialogues and ideas were recorded in these texts, which served as the foundation for later schools of Indian philosophy.