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

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment — This is specifically the Buddhist Middle Path. Jainism, especially in its early form, emphasized severe asceticism, so this was not common to both. Verdict: Incorrect.

2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas — Both Buddhism and Jainism were nastika traditions and did not accept the Vedas as supreme authority. Verdict: Correct.

3. Denial of efficacy of rituals — Both traditions rejected Vedic sacrificial ritualism as a means to liberation and stressed ethical conduct/self-discipline instead. Verdict: Correct.

Therefore, 2 and 3 only are common to both Buddhism and Jainism.