Q. Which of the following statements with regard to Navayana Buddhism is/are correct?
1.It is a modern socio-spiritual reinterpretation of Buddhism introduced by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1956.
2.It discards traditional concepts like Karma-based caste destiny and supernatural rituals, placing social equality, rationalism, and human rights at its core.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Navayana (New Vehicle) was formulated by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, culminating in the mass conversion movement at Nagpur in October 1956.
- Statement 2 is correct: Navayana reinterprets classic Buddhist tenets by removing belief in rebirth controlled by past-life caste fate, rejecting Vedic rituals, priestcraft, and esoteric practices, while prioritizing socio-economic justice, morality (Sila), human equality, and rational enquiry as reflected in Ambedkar’s text The Buddha and His Dhamma.
