Which of the following statement is incorrect about the ‘tantric’ practices of the subcontinent?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Tantric practices were open to women only
Tantric practices were forms of worship often associated with the goddess, widespread in several parts of the subcontinent. They were open to women and men alike, so the word “only” makes Option (1) the incorrect statement.
The other three statements are true. Practitioners often ignored differences of caste and class within the ritual context; many of these ideas influenced Shaivism as well as Buddhism, especially in the eastern, northern and southern parts of the subcontinent; and those engaged in Tantric practices frequently ignored the authority of the Vedas, which is why those who valued the Vedic tradition sometimes condemned them.
NCERT (2025-26): “1.2 Difference and conflict … Often associated with the goddess were forms of worship that were classified as Tantric. Tantric practices were widespread in several parts of the subcontinent – they were open to women and men, and practitioners often ignored differences of caste and class within the ritual context. Many of these ideas influenced Shaivism as well as Buddhism, especially in the eastern, northern and southern parts of the subcontinent.… Not surprisingly, there were sometimes conflicts as well – those who valued the Vedic tradition often condemned practices that went beyond the closely regulated contact with the divine through the performance of sacrifices or precisely chanted mantras. On the other hand those engaged in Tantric practices frequently ignored the authority of the Vedas.…” |