Which of the following are ‘Astik’ schools of Indian philosophy?
A. Buddhism
B. Jainism
C. Samkhya
D. Nyay
E. Charvak
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

In Indian philosophy, Āstik schools are those which accept the authority of the Vedas. The correct answer is Samkhya and Nyay.

So, the correct option is D (C and D only).

Information Booster:

Samkhya – an important Āstik school

• Accepts the Vedas, even though it is non-theistic.
• Founded by Kapila, it explains reality through Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).
• Because it does not deny the Vedas, it is categorised as an Āstik darshana.

Nyaya – a major Āstik school

• Fully acknowledges Vedic authority.
• Founded by Gautama (Akshapada).
• Emphasises logic, reasoning (tarka), and epistemology (pramāṇa).
• Its acceptance of the Vedas places it clearly in the Āstik group.

Additional Knowledge:

Buddhism – Nāstik philosophy

• Rejects the Vedas, therefore considered Nāstik.
• Focus is on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, not Vedic tradition.

Jainism – Nāstik philosophy

• Does not accept the Vedas as the ultimate authority.
• Follows teachings of Tirthankaras, not Vedic scriptures.

Charvaka – Strongly Nāstik school

• Rejects Vedas, soul, karma, afterlife, and even metaphysics.
• Promotes materialism and direct perception as the only valid knowledge.
• Clearly the most anti-Vedic among all schools.