Jainism Questions and Answers | Questions on Jainism UPSC

1. Kundagram
2. Pataliputra
3. Magadha
4. Vaishali

Answer: Kundagram

1. Jin
2. Ratna
3. Kaivalya
4. Nirvana

Answer: Kaivalya

1. Buddhism
2. Jainism
3. Sikhism
4. Vaishnavism

Answer: Jainism

1. Vaishali
2. Kausambi
3. Varanasi
4. Sravasti

Answer: Varanasi

Explanation – Tirthankara Parshvanath was indeed associated with Varanasi. He was the son of King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi, and he is believed to have attained Nirvana on the Sammet Sikhar, a prominent Jain pilgrimage site

1. Non-injury
2. Non-lying
3. Observe continence
4. Non-stealing

Answer: Observe continence

Explanation: Tirthankara Mahavira added the principle of observing continence (brahmacharya) as the fifth fundamental tenet to the four basic tenets of Jainism. The other four tenets are non-injury, non-lying, non-stealing, and non-possession, forming the ethical foundation of Jain practice.

1. 1 b.c
2. 2 b.c
3. 4 b.c
4. 6 b.c

Answer: 6 b.c

Explanation: The rise of religious movements in ancient Indian history 6 b.c.

1. Sanjayvelthiputta
2. Pakudhakachayana
3. Poorankashyap
4. Makkhaliputra Goshal

Answer: Sanjayvelthiputta

Explanation: Sanjayvelttiputta’s theory was based on “the undecidable or the sceptical”.

1. Jainism
2. Buddhism
3. Sikhism
4. Ayyavazhi

Answer: Jainism

Explanation: Acharanga Sutra is a sacred Jain text and one of the Agamas, which are religious texts based on the teachings of Mahavira. These texts are foundational in Jain scripture and provide guidance on ethics, doctrine, and conduct.

1. Vishnu
2. Krishna
3. Buddha
4. Parsvanath

Answer: Parsvanath

Explanation: Nakoda in Rajasthan is a temple dedicated to Tirthankara Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism. It is a place of pilgrimage for Jains, and the temple is dedicated to the worship of Parsvanath.

1. Rishabhdev
2. Parshwanath
3. Neminath
4. Sambhavanath

Answer: Rishabhdev

Explanation: Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath, was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. He is considered an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism.

1. Ahimsa
2. Satya
3. Asteya
4. Brahmacharya

Answer: Brahmacharya

Explanation: The fifth doctrine added by Jainism is celibacy/chastity (brahmacharya). Mahavira introduced this principle, which emphasizes total abstinence from sensual pleasure.

1. Jamali
2. Trishala
3. Yasodha
4. Prabhas

Answer: Jamali

Explanation: Jamali, who was also Mahavira’s son-in-law, holds a significant place in Jain tradition as one of Mahavira’s earliest and closest disciples. He is considered Mahavira’s first disciple. According to Jain texts, Jamali met Mahavira in Kundagrama village, Mahavira’s birthplace. Under Mahavira’s guidance, Jamali and five hundred warriors took monastic vows, embracing the ascetic way of life.

1. Sthalabahu
2. Bhadrabahu
3. Ashoka
4. Chandragupta Maurya

Answer: Bhadrabahu

Explanation: Jainism did indeed spread in South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu, a Jain ascetic and scholar. Bhadrabahu was associated with the Digambara sect and is known for his contributions to Jain philosophy and literature. His teachings and leadership were instrumental in promoting Jainism in southern regions of India.

1. Universal Law
2. Universal Truth
3. Universal Faith
4. Universal Soul

Answer: Universal Law

1. Ardh-Magadhi
2. Paali
3. Prakrit
4. Sanskrit

Answer: Ardh-Magadhi

1. Samprati
2. Kunala
3. Dasharatha
4. Salisuka

Answer: Samprati

Emperor Samprati, the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, embraced Jainism and reigned from 224 to 274 BCE. His conversion to Jainism and patronage of the faith had a lasting impact on the spread of Jainism in ancient India.

1. Nigranth
2. Tirthankara
3. Jitendriya
4. Siddhartha

Answer: Siddhartha

Siddhartha was the childhood name of Mahatma Buddha. The name of the father of Mahavir Swami was also Siddhartha.

1. Mahavir Swami
2. Mahatma Buddha
3. Makkhaliputra Goshal
4. Rishabhdev

Answer: Makkhaliputra Goshal

The founder of the Ajivika sect was Makkhaliputra Goshala. He was a disciple of Mahavir Swami.

1. Ajitkeshkambelan
2. Pakudhakachayana
3. Poorankashyap
4. Makkhaliputra Goshal

Answer: Makkhaliputra Goshal

The theory of Makkhaliputra Goshal was based on “Fatefulness (Fatefulness)”.

1. Vaishnavists
2. Jainism
3. Shaivists
4. Buddhist

Answer: Jainism

Yapaniya was a sect of Jainism. It originated from the Digambara tradition but also incorporated certain beliefs of the Shwetambara sect. Yapaniyas worshiped nude images of the Tirthankaras in their temples.

1. Buddhists
2. Christians
3. Hindus
4. Jains

Answer: Jains

1. Buddhism
2. Christianity
3. Jainism
4. None of these

Answer: Jainism

1. Lion
2. Bull
3. Tortoise
4. Serpent

Answer: Serpent

The idol of Tirthankara Parswanath is recognized by the symbol of a serpent, which is one of the distinctive attributes associated with him in Jain iconography.

1. Parshwanath
2. Ajitnath
3. Sumitnath
4. Mahavir Swami

Answer: Parshwanath

The 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism was Parshvanath. His father’s name was “Ashwasen” and his mother’s name was “Vama”.

1. Patliputra
2. Vallabhi
3. Ujjain
4. Patna

Answer: Patliputra

The first Jain council, known as the first Bhagavati Sutra Council, was convened in 310 BCE in Patliputra. This assembly resulted in the compilation of the 12 Angas, sacred Jain texts that replaced the Purvas, which were rejected by the Digambara sect. Sthulabhadra served as the president of this council.

1. Chandragupta Maurya
2. Kharvela
3. Amoghavarsha
4. Chamundaraya

Answer: Chamundaraya

The Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelagola, Karnataka, was commissioned by Chamundaraya, a minister and commander of the Ganga dynasty. This monolithic statue stands 60 feet tall and is a significant Jain pilgrimage site, symbolizing spiritual and architectural excellence.

1. Mahayana Buddhism
2. Hinayana Buddhism
3. Jainism
4. The Lokayata school

Answer: Jainism

1. Nemi Natha
2. Mahavira
3. Parshvanath
4. Malinath

Answer: Parshvanath

Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, was born as a Kshatriya and was the son of Ashvasena, the King of Banaras (Varanasi). He played a significant role in Jainism, emphasizing principles of non-violence and spiritual awakening.

1. Parshwanath
2. Ajitnath
3. Sumit Nath
4. Mahavir Swami

Answer: Mahavir Swami

The 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was Mahavir Swami. He was the last Tirthankara of Jainism.

1. Purana
2. Charita
3. Agama
4. None of the above

Answer: Purana

In Jainism, the Digambara sect and the Shwetambara sect have differences in terminology for hagiographies (biographical texts). The Digambara sect uses the term “Purana,” while the Shwetambara sect uses the term “Charita.” These texts narrate the life stories and teachings of Tirthankaras, including Mahavira, and reflect variations in religious traditions between the two sects.

1. Chandragupta Maurya
2. Bimbisara
3. Ashoka
4. Samprati

Answer: Chandragupta Maurya

The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is traditionally attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. After renouncing his throne and embracing Jainism, Chandragupta Maurya spent his last years as a Jaina ascetic in Karnataka. His conversion to Jainism and association with Karnataka are significant events in Jain history, contributing to the propagation of the religion in the region.

1. Rajgir
2. Ranchi
3. Pavapuri
4. Samastipur

Answer: Pavapuri

1. Buddhist
2. Jainism
3. Shaivists
4. Vaishnavists

Answer: Jainism

1. Niranjana
2. Rijupalika
3. Yamuna
4. Jamuna

Answer: Rijupalika

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism, is said to have attained Kaivalaya (liberation) under a Sal tree on the banks of the river Rijupalika, near Jrimbhikgrama in present-day Bihar, India.

1. 10
2. 12
3. 14
4. 16

Answer: 14

A Shwetambara ascetic is permitted to have fourteen possessions, which include items like a loin-cloth and a shoulder-cloth. In contrast, a Digambara ascetic renounces all possessions, including clothing, and is allowed only two possessions: Rajoharana (a piece of cloth for covering the body) and a Kamandalu (a gourd for carrying water), emphasizing a higher level of asceticism.

1. Prabhavati
2. Yashoda
3. Yashodhara
4. Trishala

Answer: Yashoda

Mahavir Swami’s wife was Yashoda. It was of shandilya gotra.

1. Mahavira
2. Gautama Buddha
3. Kapila
4. Basavanna

Answer: Mahavira

The Sutrakritanga is an Agama that offers detailed information about the life of Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. It provides insights into his teachings, principles, and life events.

1. Bodhgaya
2. Rajgir
3. Nalanda
4. Vaishali

Answer: Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya, located in Bihar, is a significant pilgrimage site for both Buddhism and Jainism. It is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. For Jains, it is associated with Mahavira’s spiritual activities.

1. Bhadrabahu
2. Sthalabahu
3. Chandragupta Maurya
4. Ashoka

Answer: Sthalabahu

The Shvetambara sect is one of the major sects in Jainism, and it follows the teachings of Lord Mahavira. It was not formed under the leadership of Sthalabahu but rather developed as a distinct Jain sect based on differences in interpretations and practices. Bhadrabahu, on the other hand, played a significant role in the formation of the Digambara sect, which is another prominent Jain sect.

1. Parshvanath
2. Risabhdev
3. Mahavira
4. Manisuvrata

Answer: Mahavira

1. Varanasi
2. Kaushambi
3. Giribraja
4. Champa

Answer: Varanasi

1. Lokayatism
2. Saivism
3. Jainism
4. Vaishnavism

Answer: Jainism

1. 563 BC
2. 540 BC
3. 533 BC
4. 560 BC

Answer: 540 BC

Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism, is believed to have been born in 540 BC in Kundali Gram, which is located in present-day Bihar, India. Mahavira’s teachings and ascetic practices significantly influenced Jainism.

1. Kuruchak
2. Yapniya
3. Swetpat
4. Pratityasamutpada

Answer: Pratityasamutpada

Pratityasamutpada is related to Buddhism. This is the basic foundation of Buddhist philosophy. All other options are related to Jainism.

1. Ajitkeshkambeelan
2. Pakudhakachayana
3. Poorankashyap
4. Makkhaliputra Goshal

Answer: Ajitkeshkambeelan

Ajitkeshkambeelan’s theory was based on “extreme materialism”.

1. Kundagram (Vaishali)
2. Lumbini (Kapilvastu)
3. Sravasti
4. Patna

Answer: Kundagram (Vaishali)

Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, was born in Kundagram (Vaishali). The modern name of Kundagram is Basukund.

1. Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system
2. Both accepted the theories of rebirth
3. Both preached truth and non-violence
4. All of the above

Answer: All of the above

Buddhism and Jainism share several similarities, including opposition to Brahmanical domination and the caste system, acceptance of the doctrines of rebirth and karma, and the advocacy of truth, non-violence, celibacy, and detachment from material comforts. These commonalities reflect the historical and philosophical intersections between the two religious traditions.

1. Anekantavada
2. Syadavada
3. Nayavada
4. Pancha Mahavrata

Answer: Nayavada

The Jain doctrine of Nayavada refers to the system of describing reality from different points of view. It emphasizes that different perspectives provide partial truths, and absolute validity cannot be claimed.

1. Kunthunath
2. Mallinath
3. Shantinath
4. Suvidhinath

Answer: Mallinath

Mallinath is indeed recognized as the only female Tirthankara in the Shwetambara sect of Jainism. She is revered as the 19th Tirthankara in the Shwetambara tradition. Her inclusion reflects the sect’s unique beliefs and hagiographical traditions.

1. Arya Sudharma
2. Mahavira Swami
3. Parshwanath
4. Rishabh Dev

Answer: Rishabh Dev

1. Buddhism
2. Jainism
3. Hinduism
4. Islam

Answer: Jainism

1. Rishabhdev
2. Parsavanath
3. Mahavira
4. Munisuvrat

Answer: Rishabhdev

Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath, is revered as the first Tirthankara in Jainism. He is believed to have been born in Ayodhya within the Ikshvaku dynasty. It’s important to note that while Jainism regards him as a spiritual figure, in Hinduism, Rishabhdev is considered an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

1. Kalakacharya
2. Sthulabhadra
3. Bhadrabahu
4. Deverdhi Sharaman

Answer: Sthulabhadra

Sthulabhadra was the founder of the Shwetambar creed during the first division of the Jain community. He stayed in the northern region during a severe famine. The Shwetambar sect derives its name from the white cloth worn by its followers.

1. Buddhists
2. Jains
3. Saivites
4. Vaishnavites

Answer: Jains

1. Sthulabhadra
2. Bhadrabahu
3. Kalakacharya
4. Deverdhi Kshama Sharaman

Answer: Sthulabhadra

1. Gautam Buddha
2. Mahavira
3. Parshvanatha
4. Rishabha

Answer: Mahavira

In Pali texts, the term “Nigantha Nataputta” is used to refer to Mahavira, who is the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. The term “Nigantha” is used to describe Jains, followers of Jainism, and a person who has attained kevalya, which is the ultimate liberation in Jainism, is called a “nirgrantha.”

1. Sutrakritanga
2. Nyayavtara
3. Dravyasamgraha
4. Kalpasutra

Answer: Sutrakritanga

The number of religious movements has been described in the Sutrakritanga Jain text. The number of religious sects in this book is mentioned as 368.

1. Sanjayvelthiputta
2. Pakudhakachayana
3. Poorankashyap
4. Makkhaliputra Goshal

Answer: Poorankashyap

Poornakashyap’s theory was based on “gross anachronism”.

1. Rishabhdev
2. Ajitnath
3. Sumitnath
4. Mahavir Swami

Answer: Sumitnath

Sumitnath, the fifth Tirthankara of Jainism.

1. Siddhartha
2. Rahul
3. Vardhaman
4. Ajit

Answer: Vardhaman

Mahavir Swami’s childhood name was Vardhaman. He was born in 540 BC in the Kundagram of Vaishali.

1. Rajagriha
2. Vaishali
3. Shravasti
4. Pavapuri

Answer: Pavapuri

Mahavir Swami died in the kingdom of Malla king Sustapala at Pavapuri in 468 BC.

1. Milinda Panho – Buddhism
2. Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism
3. Mahapurana – Jainism
4. All are correct

Answer: Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism

Tatwarthadhigam is a Jain scripture composed by Uma Swami. It is not associated with Vaishnavism.

1. Parsvanath
2. Rishabhanath
3. Mahavira
4. Chetaka

Answer: Rishabhanath

1. Therigatha
2. Acarangasutra
3. Sutrakritanga
4. Brihatkalpasutra

Answer: Therigatha

1. Brihaspati Rishi
2. Mahatma Buddha
3. Makkhaliputra Goshal
4. Rishabhdev

Answer: Brihaspati Rishi

Brihaspati Rishi was the founder of the Lokayata sect.

1. Brihaspati Rishi
2. Mahatma Buddha
3. Makkhaliputra Goshal
4. Rishabhdev

Answer: Brihaspati Rishi

1. Haribhadra
2. Bhadrabahu
3. Sudharma Swami
4. Nemichandra

Answer: Bhadrabahu

“Kalpsutra” is a Jain text written by Bhadrabahu. It contains biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, including Mahavira. This text is an essential source for understanding Jain religious history and teachings.

1. Prabhavati
2. Yashoda
3. Yashodhara
4. Trishala

Answer: Prabhavati

Prabhavati was the wife of Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.

1. Emperor Ashoka
2. Gautam Buddha
3. Mahavira Swami
4. Chitanya Mahaprabhu

Answer: Mahavira Swami

1. Twelve Angas
2. Twelve Upangas
3. Fourteen Purvas
4. Fourteen Uppurva

Answer: Fourteen Purvas

1. Champa
2. Pava
3. Sammed Shikhar
4. Urjyant

Answer: Sammed Shikhar