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. Indiffererice to the authority of the Vedas 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. Buddhism emphasizes the 'Middle Path' (Madhyama Pratipada), explicitly advocating the avoidance of extremities of both severe penance and sensual enjoyment. However, Jainism prescribes rigorous asceticism and penance, including practices like Sallekhana (fasting unto death), which represents an extreme form. Therefore, the avoidance of extreme penance is not common to both. 2. Statement 2 is correct. Both Buddhism and Jainism emerged as heterodox (nastika) traditions that challenged the prevailing Brahmanical orthodoxy. A key aspect of this challenge was their indifference or rejection of the divine authority of the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and religious truth. 3. Statement 3 is correct. Both traditions questioned the Brahmanical emphasis on elaborate sacrifices and rituals as the primary means to achieve salvation or liberation. They advocated alternative paths focusing on ethical conduct, meditation, non-violence, and philosophical understanding, thereby implying a denial of the ultimate efficacy of Vedic rituals for achieving liberation. 4. Thus, indifference to the authority of the Vedas and denial of efficacy of rituals were common to both Buddhism and Jainism.