Cambridge A Level Hinduism 9487 — 2022 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 0

Cambridge International AS & A Level 9487/02 October/November 2022 1 hour 30 minutes HINDUISM Paper 2 Development of Hinduism You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet. You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed) INSTRUCTIONS • Answer two questions in total: Section A: answer one question. Section B: answer one question. • Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper, ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. INFORMATION • The total mark for this paper is 60. • The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. [Turn over 11_9487_02_2022_1.10 © UCLES 2022 *5611618382*

Section A Answer EITHER Question 1 OR Question 2. EITHER Summarise the difference between astika and nastika traditions within Hinduism. [5] (a) 1 Compare the nature and concerns of the epics with the nature and concerns of the Manusmriti. [10] (b) Assess the claim that the epics are just enjoyable stories. [15] (c) [Total: 30] OR ‘Although the role of the correct performance of religious rituals is firmly based on scriptures, the physical presence of the scripture in the form of written words is very often non-existent. The 2 worshipper or the priest learns the procedure and the mantras from the written texts, and recites them at the appropriate time in the ritual to accompany the action.’ Summarise what the above passage says about the use and significance of religious texts in Hinduism. [5] (a) Explain why the Vedas remain important to contemporary Hinduism. [10] (b) ‘It is important for all Hindus to read the Vedas for themselves.’ Discuss. [15] (c) [Total: 30] 11_9487_02_2022_1.10 © UCLES 2022 2

Section B Answer EITHER Question 3 OR Question 4. EITHER Summarise what is unique about Shaktism. [5] (a) 3 Explain how different theistic traditions can be understood as parts of a single religion called Hinduism. [10] (b) ‘The concept of Brahman is the same for all Hindus.’ Discuss. [15] (c) [Total: 30] OR ‘Experience of the divine must be sought in the company of good people. It is an illusion to imagine that you can see God in some temple or shrine or in some kind of meditation. Only in the divine 4 manifesting in a human form can you experience the divine. If one cannot experience the divine in a living human being, how can one experience it in an inanimate stone? It is only when one perceives with love that one realises one’s true nature.’ Outline what the above passage says about the knowability of the divine. [5] (a) Explain why some Hindus might describe the divine as unknowable. [10] (b) Assess the claim that it is easier for people to relate to the divine within the theistic traditions of Hinduism. [15] (c) [Total: 30] 11_9487_02_2022_1.10 © UCLES 2022 3

BLANK PAGE Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. 11_9487_02_2022_1.10 © UCLES 2022 4