Consider the following statements:

1. There are no parables in Upanishads.

2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:

Analysis of Statement 1: "There are no parables in Upanishads."
This statement is incorrect. The Upanishads contain numerous parables, allegories, and dialogue-based stories to explain complex philosophical concepts. Famous examples include:
1. The parable of the two birds on a single tree (found in the Mundaka and Shvetashvatara Upanishads), symbolizing the individual soul (Jiva) and the universal soul (Ishvara).
2. The story of Nachiketa and Yama in the Katha Upanishad, discussing the nature of death, soul, and liberation.
3. The story of Satyakama Jabala in the Chandogya Upanishad, highlighting the pursuit of truth.
Therefore, statement 1 is false.

Analysis of Statement 2: "Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas."
This statement is correct. The principal Upanishads (often called Mukhya Upanishads) were composed during the late Vedic period, roughly between 800 BCE and 500 BCE. In contrast, the Puranas, in their current written form, were compiled much later, primarily during the Gupta period (circa 3rd to 6th century CE), although they contain older oral traditions.
Therefore, statement 2 is true.

Since only the second statement is correct, the final correct option is 2 only.