Which one of the following is not true about 'Purusharthas'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

The statement, "The first mention of Purusharthas is found in 'Arthashastra' of Kautilya," is not true. The concept of Purusharthas, which refers to the four primary goals of human life in Hinduism, is a deeply entrenched part of Vedic and Upanishadic thought, predating the composition of the *Arthashastra*. While Kautilya's *Arthashastra* focuses heavily on *Artha* (wealth/political science) and discusses the balance of the first three goals (*Dharma, Artha, Kama*), the fundamental and earliest comprehensive mention and systematic exposition of the fourfold path (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha) is typically found in much older texts, particularly the Upanishads, the Epics (like the Mahabharata), and early Dharmashastras. Kautilya's work, dating to the Mauryan period, is primarily concerned with statecraft and economics, not the initial conception of this spiritual philosophy.

The incorrect option is 1:
The four Purusharthas are indeed Dharma (righteous conduct), Artha (economic prosperity/means of life), Kama (pleasure/desire), and Moksha (liberation). This statement correctly identifies the core elements of the Purushartha concept, which is fundamental to Hindu philosophy.

The incorrect option is 2:
The Purusharthas were conceptually designed to balance *Pravritti* (active engagement with the world, or enjoyment/Bhog, represented by Dharma, Artha, and Kama) and *Nivritti* (renunciation or withdrawal, represented by Moksha). This holistic system ensures a person can live a responsible and fulfilling life before seeking ultimate spiritual liberation, making the statement true.

The incorrect option is 3:
Since the Purusharthas include *Artha* and *Kama* (representing material and sensual pursuits) and *Dharma* and *Moksha* (representing moral duty and spiritual liberation), the system inherently promotes a synthesis between materialism and spiritualism. It advocates for achieving worldly goals in an ethical manner (*Dharma*) as a necessary precursor to spiritual advancement, confirming the truth of this statement.