Cambridge A Level Hinduism 9487 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 0

Cambridge International AS & A Level 9487/02 October/November 2023 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_2023_1.9 © UCLES 2023 *1795777483*

Section A Answer EITHER Question 1 OR Question 2. EITHER ‘The primary source of Hindu literature is the four Veda Samhitas – the Rig Veda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Samaveda Samhita and the Artharvaveda Samhita. Hindus identify the 1 Samhitas as shruti and believe that the knowledge contained in them was directly revealed to ancient seers (rishis) who then began the earthly transmission of this knowledge. This was probably an oral tradition before the revealed knowledge was recorded in written form. Three other bodies of literature can also be regarded as shruti: the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. These collections are what is often referred to as Vedic literature.’ Outline what the above passage says about Vedic writings. [5] (a) Explain why smriti texts like the epics are important to contemporary Hinduism. [10] (b) Assess the claim that to be Hindu means accepting the authority of the Vedas. [15] (c) [Total: 30] OR Summarise the main areas of concern of the Manusmriti. [5] (a) 2 Explain why the Vedas might not be relevant to the religious practices of contemporary Hindus. [10] (b) Assess the claim that sacred texts are important in Hinduism. [15] (c) [Total: 30] 11_9487_02_2023_1.9 © UCLES 2023 2

Section B Answer EITHER Question 3 OR Question 4. EITHER ‘In Vedantic philosophy the entire material world is considered an illusion; true reality is ‘not this, not this’–we are not our roles in society or family, our jobs, our accomplishments, our bodies, our 3 egos, our minds. We are our essential highest selves, that which defies definition, that which exists beyond material, individual reality.’ Summarise what the above passage says about the concept of neti-neti. [5] (a) Explain the differences between the concepts of saguna and nirguna Brahman. [10] (b) ‘It is not possible to worship nirguna Brahman.’ Discuss. [15] (c) [Total: 30] OR Outline what is meant by ‘theistic traditions’ in Hinduism. [5] (a) 4 Contrast the main practices of Vaisnavism and Shaivism. [10] (b) ‘Shakti is a part of all Hindu theistic traditions.’ Discuss. [15] (c) [Total: 30] 11_9487_02_2023_1.9 © UCLES 2023 3

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