Jain Religion

Total Questions: 58

31. The Basic point of Jainism is - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]

(a) Act
(b) Loyalty
(c) Non-violence
(d) Disfavour

Correct Answer: (c) Non-violence

Solution:Jainism is also known as the religion of Ahimsa (non-violence) Ahimsa supersedes all concepts, ideologies, rules, customs and practices. Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Aparigraha are the cardinal principles of Jainism.

32. Yapaniya was the sect of - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]

(a) Buddhist
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivists
(d) Vaishnavists

Correct Answer: (b) Jainism

Solution:Yapaniya was a sect of Jain religion; which is believed to have originated from Digambaras. However, they Yapaniyas worshipped nude images of the Tirthankaras in their temples.

33. With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]

(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism

Correct Answer: (b) Jainism

Solution:Sthankvasi is a sect of Svetambara Jainism. This sect originated from its predecessor reformist sect 'Lonka' that was found by Lonkasha. It believes that idol worship is not essential in the path of soul purification and attainment of Nirvana.

34. Which of the following is the earliest holy book of Jain ? [41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]

(a) Twelve Angas
(b) Twelve Upangas
(c) Fourteen Purvas
(d) Fourteen Uppurva

Correct Answer: (c) Fourteen Purvas

Solution:The Fourteen Purvas is the ancient Jain scripture, which was preached by all Tirthankaras. At the time of the last Nand Ruler, Sambhootvijay and Bhardrabahu were the presidents of the Sangha. These two were the last to possess knowledge about the ancient Jain texts 14 purvas given by Mahavira.

35. In which one of the following language was the earliest Jain literature compiled ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]

(a) Ardh-Magadhi
(b) Paali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Sanskrit

Correct Answer: (a) Ardh-Magadhi

Solution:All the initial religious Jain literature has been written in the Ardha-Magadhi. Its twelve Angas are in 'Ardha-Magadhi.' These holy books were finally compiled in the sixth century A.D. at Vallabhi near Gujarat.

36. Which of the following place is known as a place of Pilgrimages because of being related to Parshvanath ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]

(a) Champa
(b) Pava
(c) Sammed Shikhar
(d) Urjyant

Correct Answer: (c) Sammed Shikhar

Solution:Parshvanatha was the 23ʳᵈ Tirthankara of Jainism. Parshvanatha was to King Asvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi in 850 BC. He belonged to the lksvaku dynasty. He lived as the formal prince of Varanasi and at the age of thirty, he renounced the world to become a monk. He meditated for 84 days before attaining Kevala Jnana. He achieved Parinirvana at Sammed Sikhar that's why this place is also known as a place of pilgrimage for Jains.

37. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jain literature ? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]

(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra

Correct Answer: (a) Therigatha

Solution:The Therigatha is a Buddhist scripture in which the early nuns (bhikshunis) recount their struggles and accomplishments along the road to spiritual attainment. Their stories are told with often heart-breaking honesty and beauty, revealing the deeply human side of these extraordinary women and thus serve as inspiring reminders of our potential to follow in their footsteps. Rest are the part of Jain scriptures.

38. Who was the first founder of Shwetambar creed during the first partition of Jain creed ? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999]

(a) Sthulabhadra
(b) Bhadrabahu
(c) Kalakacharya
(d) Deverdhi Kshama Sharaman

Correct Answer: (a) Sthulabhadra

Solution:About 150 years after Lord Mahavira's departure, when Bhadrabahuswami was the head of the religious order and Nand dynasty was ruling over Magadha, Pataliputra the capital city became the centre of learning and knowledge. At that time there occurred a severe famine that seems to have raged for 12 long years.

During that period of shortage and scarcity, it was hard for Jain monks to observe the code of conduct laid down by the Lord. Bhadrabahuswami, therefore, decided to migrate to the South along with many followers. For those who stayed behind, it was hard to remember accurately whatever they learnt.

Venerable Sthulabhadra and most of those who stayed in the north used to cover their bodies with a plain, white cloth; while those who had migrated with Bhadrabahuswami were mostly unclad. The latter took pride in their being true unclad followers of the Lord and in due course came to be known as Digamabars which means skyclad. Those on the other side came to be known as Shwetamabars on account of while cloth that they wore.

39. The first disciple of Lord Mahavir was - [47ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]

(a) Jamali
(b) Yashoda
(c) Bipin
(d) Prabhash

Correct Answer: (a) Jamali

Solution:Among the early visitors to Mahavira during his wandering was Jamali, his son-in-law. Jamali met Mahavira while the later was in Kshatriya-Kundagram, the village where Mahavira was born. He took the vow together with five hundred of the warrior caste. Jamali was the first disciple of Lord Mahavira.

40. Who was the first follower of Mahavira ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]

(a) Jamali
(b) Yashoda
(c) Aanojja
(d) Trishala