With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs : 1. Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer 2. Shramana — Priest with a high status 3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

Option (b) is correct because **Parivrajakas** were wandering renunciants and **Upasakas** were lay followers of Buddhism who supported the monastic community without becoming monks. Pair 2 is incorrect because **Shramanas** were non-Vedic ascetics who specifically challenged the authority of the Brahminical priesthood and its rituals, making the description "priest with high status" the opposite of their actual role. This question tests the core concept of the **Shramana tradition** and the socio-religious terminology of ancient India.