With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

Correct Option (B)

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

• Indifference to the authority of the Vedas: Both Buddhism and Jainism emerged as heterodox traditions, rejecting the divine origin and infallible authority of the Vedic scriptures. They challenged the Brahmanical social and religious order that was based on Vedic principles.
• Denial of efficacy of rituals: Both religions critically viewed the elaborate and often expensive Vedic sacrificial rituals (yajnas). They emphasized ethical conduct, inner purity, and personal spiritual effort as the path to liberation, rather than external rites and ceremonies.

Incorrect Options

• Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment: This statement is not common to both religions. Buddhism advocates the 'Middle Path' (Madhyama-pratipada), which avoids both excessive indulgence and extreme asceticism. In contrast, Jainism places a strong emphasis on severe asceticism, rigorous fasting, self-mortification, and penance as crucial for spiritual purification and attainment of moksha. This represents a fundamental difference in their philosophical approaches to spiritual practice.