Study of Religion and Dialogues: Hinduism.
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
A-level
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Paper 2C Study of Religion and Dialogues: Hinduism
Monday 17 June 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 3 hours
Materials
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7062/2C.
Answer:
– both two-part questions from Section A, and
– one question from Section B, and
– one question from Section C.
Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 100.
In each two-part question in Section A, the first part tests your knowledge and understanding,
while the second part tests your skills of reasoning and evaluation.
The one-part questions in Sections B and C test your knowledge and understanding and your
skills of reasoning and evaluation.
You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
,For A-level Religious Studies Paper 2C on Hinduism, focus on the following key areas:
1. Key Concepts in Hinduism:
Brahman: The ultimate, formless reality, transcendent and immanent in all things. Understanding
Brahman as both the source and essence of everything in the universe.
Atman: The individual soul or self, which is eternal and connected to Brahman. The realization of
Atman as Brahman is the goal of Hindu spiritual practice.
Maya: The illusion or appearance of the material world that distracts from the truth of Brahman.
Karma: The law of cause and effect, where every action has consequences that affect one's future,
both in this life and future lives.
2. The Hindu Gods:
Trimurti: The three principal gods—Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the
Destroyer). Understand their roles and symbolism.
Devi: The goddess in Hinduism, representing the feminine aspect of the divine, manifesting in forms
like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Avatars: Incarnations of gods, particularly the ten avatars of Vishnu (Dashavatara), including
Krishna and Rama.
3. The Four Pursuits of Life (Purusharthas):
Dharma: Righteousness, moral duty, and living according to the divine law.
Artha: Material prosperity and success, including the pursuit of wealth and career in alignment with
dharma.
4. The Four Stages of Life (Ashramas):
Brahmacharya: The student stage, focusing on education and learning.
Grihastha: The householder stage, focused on marriage, family, and social responsibilities.
Vanaprastha: The stage of retirement, focusing on spiritual practices and detachment.
5. Hindu Sacred Texts:
The Vedas: The oldest and most authoritative scriptures, including the Rigveda, Yajurveda,
Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Focus on the hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.
The Upanishads: Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self, and Brahman,
emphasizing meditation and the path to moksha.
6. Paths to Liberation (Yoga):
Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action, performing duties without attachment to the results.
Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion to a personal god (often Vishnu or Shiva) as a means of
attaining moksha.
7. Hindu Practices and Rituals:
Puja: Worship rituals, including offerings to deities, chanting, and prayers, performed at home or in
temples.
Festivals: Major Hindu festivals like Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and
Navaratri, each with its own significance and rituals.
This summary provides a focused overview of Hinduism for Paper 2C, covering its key concepts, deities,
practices, ethical principles, and sacred texts.
IB/M/Jun24/G4005/E2 7062/2C
, 2
Section A: Study of Hinduism
Answer both questions in this section.
Each question has two parts.
Question 1
0 1 . 1 Examine Hindu understandings of atman.
[10 marks]
and
0 1 . 2 ‘The Trimurti makes it easy to understand the nature of ultimate reality.’
Evaluate this claim.
[15 marks]
Question 2
0 2 . 1 Examine how Hindu liberationist approaches influence society today.
[10 marks]
and
0 2 . 2 ‘There is little agreement in Hinduism about the role and status of women.’
Evaluate this claim.
[15 marks]
IB/M/Jun24/7062/2C