Cambridge A Level Hinduism 9487 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 0

Cambridge International AS & A Level 9487/02 October/November 2025 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_2025_1.8 © UCLES 2025 *8045283778*

Section A Answer EITHER Question 1 OR Question 2. EITHER Outline what is meant by the term ‘the epics’. [5] (a) 1 Explain why the Ramayana might be significant to Hindu theistic traditions. [10] (b) Evaluate the claim that the epics are the foundation of contemporary Hinduism. [15] (c) [Total: 30] OR ‘Smritis applied to everyone all of the time and had universal significance in all life situations. Since Orthodox Hinduism consisted mainly of a minute ordering of life those texts relating to this ordering were of the utmost importance. It is not without deeper significance that the author of the most respected of such works, the Manusmriti, is described as both the father of humankind and its first lawgiver.’ 2 Summarise what the passage says about the importance of the Manusmriti. [5] (a) Explain why there are different views about the status of the Manusmriti. [10] (b) ‘Smriti texts do much more than just explain the teachings of the Vedas’. Discuss. [15] (c) [Total: 30] 11_9487_02_2025_1.8 © UCLES 2025 2

Section B Answer EITHER Question 3 OR Question 4. EITHER Summarise the distinct characteristics of Vaisnavism. [5] (a) 3 Explain why there are different theistic traditions within Hinduism. [10] (b) Assess the claim that murti puja is the most important practice for Hindus devoted to Shiva. [15] (c) [Total: 30] OR ‘As one and the same water is called by different names by different people, with some calling it water, some vari, some aqua and some pani, so the Absolute is invoked by some as God, by some as Allah, by some as Hari and by others as Brahman. In the potter’s shop there are vessels of different shapes and forms – pots, jars, dishes and plates – but all are made of the same clay. Just so God is one, but worshipped in different ages and places under different names and forms.’ 4 Summarise what the passage says about the nature of the divine. [5] (a) Explain how the concept of ishvara might help Hindus achieve an understanding of the divine. [10] (b) Assess the claim that Brahman can only be understood through the concept of neti-neti. [15] (c) [Total: 30] 11_9487_02_2025_1.8 © UCLES 2025 3

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