Question

Match List I (Five Great Elements) with List II (Number of Properties/Gunas as per Puranic Cosmology) and choose the correct option:
List I (Element)
A. Akashasya (Space)
B. Vayoh (Air)
C. Agneh (Fire)
D. Jalasya (Water)
List II (Properties)
I. Only one property: Sound (Shabda)
II. Three properties: Sound, Touch, Form (Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa)
III. Four properties: Sound, Touch, Form, Taste (Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa, Rasa)
IV. Two properties: Sound, Touch (Shabda, Sparsha)

• A. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
• B. A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
• C. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
• D. A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II

Hint:

The "1-2-3-4-5" Rule: Just remember the order of creation: Space (1) -> Air (2) -> Fire (3) -> Water (4) -> Earth (5). The number of properties is exactly equal to the element's position in the sequence. Space is the simplest, Earth is the most complex.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Puranic cosmology, heavily influenced by the Samkhya system, describes the manifestation of the physical universe as a process of increasing density. This theory is known as the "Cumulative quality" or Anupravesha (Entry into the next). Each subsequent element manifests from the previous one, inheriting all the qualities (Gunas) of its predecessor and adding one new, distinct quality of its own. This logical progression explains why the world becomes more "tangible" as we move from space to earth.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation of the Elements:
1. Akasha (Space/Ether - A): Manifests first from the subtle element of sound (Shabda-tanmatra). It has only one property: Sound (Shabda) [I]. You can hear in space, but you cannot touch, see, or taste it.
2. Vayu (Air - B): Manifests from Space. It inherits Sound and adds its own specific quality, Touch (Sparsha). Therefore, it has two properties: Sound and Touch [IV]. You can hear the wind and feel its pressure on your skin.
3. Agni (Fire/Light - C): Manifests from Air. It inherits Sound and Touch, and adds its own specific quality, Form/Color (Rupa). Therefore, it has three properties: Sound, Touch, and Form [II]. You can hear fire crackle, feel its heat, and see its light.
4. Jala (Water - D): Manifests from Fire. It inherits Sound, Touch, and Form, and adds its own specific quality, Taste (Rasa). Therefore, it has four properties: Sound, Touch, Form, and Taste [III].
(Note: Earth/Prithvi manifests last, adding Smell/Gandha, possessing all five).

Step 3: Synthesis:
Matching the elements to their counts: Akasha-1, Vayu-2, Agni-3, Jala-4. This corresponds to the sequence A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is (2).