NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

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In the context of Indian philosophy, the doctrine of 'Advaita' advocates:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe distinctness of the soul from God even after union
BThe worship of God with form and attributes
CThe oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God
DThe rejection of God and focus on human effort

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

The oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God

Explanation

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and spiritual discipline, most prominently expounded by Adi Shankaracharya. The term Advaita translates to "non-dualism" (a = not, dvaita = two). Its core tenet is the essential identity of the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Option Analysis

The oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God: Correct. The fundamental doctrine of Advaita is that Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) is the only truth, the world is an illusion (Maya), and the individual soul (Jiva or Atman) is non-different from Brahman. The realization of this oneness leads to liberation (Moksha).
The distinctness of the soul from God even after union: Incorrect. The distinctness of the soul from God is the central theme of the Dvaita (Dualism) school propounded by Madhvacharya. It posits that the soul and God are eternally separate entities.
The worship of God with form and attributes: Incorrect. While Advaita accepts the worship of God with attributes (Saguna Brahman) as a preliminary step for spiritual purification, its ultimate philosophical stance advocates the realization of Nirguna Brahman (God without form or attributes).
The rejection of God and focus on human effort: Incorrect. Advaita does not reject God; rather, it redefines the nature of divinity as an all-encompassing, formless consciousness. The rejection of God and exclusive focus on human effort is more characteristic of heterodox schools like early Buddhism or Jainism, or the Mimamsa school's focus on ritual action.

Key Takeaway

Advaita Vedanta, associated with Adi Shankaracharya, teaches Monism: the ultimate reality is singular, and there is no distinction between the individual soul (Atman) and the Supreme Soul (Brahman).

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

Consider the following statements regarding the Nayanars and Alvars of South India: 1. The Nayanars were devotees of Vishnu, while the Alvars were devotees of Shiva. 2. They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism found in Sangam literature and blended them with the values of bhakti. 3. They were critical of the caste system and included people from all backgrounds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following pairs of texts and their associated traditions is correctly matched? 1. Tevaram : Alvars 2. Tiruvacakam : Nayanars 3. Divya Prabandham : Alvars 4. Bijak : Virashaivas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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In the context of the Bhakti tradition, what does the term 'hagiography' refer to?

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With reference to the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra, consider the following statements: 1. It focused on the worship of Goddess Durga in the Tuljapur temple. 2. The saint-poets of this tradition rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families. 3. They accepted all social differences based on birth as divine will. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Who among the following saints is associated with the composition of 'Abhangs'?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

The oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God

Explanation

Option Analysis

The oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God: Correct. The fundamental doctrine of Advaita is that Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) is the only truth, the world is an illusion (Maya), and the individual soul (Jiva or Atman) is non-different from Brahman. The realization of this oneness leads to liberation (Moksha).
The distinctness of the soul from God even after union: Incorrect. The distinctness of the soul from God is the central theme of the Dvaita (Dualism) school propounded by Madhvacharya. It posits that the soul and God are eternally separate entities.
The worship of God with form and attributes: Incorrect. While Advaita accepts the worship of God with attributes (Saguna Brahman) as a preliminary step for spiritual purification, its ultimate philosophical stance advocates the realization of Nirguna Brahman (God without form or attributes).
The rejection of God and focus on human effort: Incorrect. Advaita does not reject God; rather, it redefines the nature of divinity as an all-encompassing, formless consciousness. The rejection of God and exclusive focus on human effort is more characteristic of heterodox schools like early Buddhism or Jainism, or the Mimamsa school's focus on ritual action.