With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The correct answer is B because statements 2 and 3 apply to both religions, while statement 1 applies only to Buddhism. Statement 1 is incorrect because Buddhism followed the Middle Path, which avoids the extremes of luxury and self mortification. In contrast, Jainism advocated for extreme penance and rigorous asceticism, including practices like fasting to death. Therefore, this principle was not common to both. Statement 2 is correct because both religions emerged as heterodox schools that rejected the infallible authority of the Vedas. They challenged the Vedic social hierarchy and the supremacy of the Brahmins. Statement 3 is correct because both Buddhism and Jainism denied the efficacy of rituals and animal sacrifices as a means to achieve liberation or spiritual growth, focusing instead on ethical conduct and personal discipline.