Which of the following statements with regard to Madhavacharya's Dvaita school of philosophy is/are correct? 1. It propounds that God and individual souls exist as separate, independent realities equal in absolute agency and status. 2. It emphasizes the continuous cycle of rebirth, the law of Karma, and holds that liberation is attained through a combination of knowledge, devotion, and good deeds. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: While the Dvaita (dualism) school founded by Madhavacharya asserts a strict distinction between God (Vishnu/Narayana) and individual souls (Jivas), it explicitly holds that Vishnu alone is the independent supreme reality, whereas individual souls and matter are dependent realities upon Him.
Statement 2 is correct: The Dvaita school upholds the doctrines of Karma and rebirth, maintaining that freedom from the cycle of transmigration is achieved through spiritual knowledge, righteous action, and intense devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu.