UPSC CSE Prelims
Jainism Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Jainism with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:
- Nettipakarana
- Parishishtaparvan
- Avadanashataka
- Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 4 only
Among the given texts, only Parishishtaparvan and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana are Jaina texts. Nettipakarana is a Buddhist Theravada scripture, while Avadanashataka is a collection of Buddhist legends.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Nettipakarana is a Buddhist scripture from the Theravada tradition that serves as a guide for interpreting the Pali Canon.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Parishishtaparvan (Sthaviravalicharitra) is a 12th-century Jaina text written by Hemachandra, providing historical accounts of early Jaina teachers.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Avadanashataka is a Sanskrit collection of one hundred Buddhist legends (Avadanas) detailing past lives and deeds.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (Mahapurana) is a major 9th-century Jaina text by Digambara monks Jinasena and Gunabhadra, detailing the lives of 63 Shalakapurushas.
📝 Short Notes: Religious Texts Classification
| Text | Religion | Author/Period | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nettipakarana | Buddhist (Theravada) | Post-canonical period | Guide to interpretation of Pali Canon |
| Parishishtaparvan | Jaina | Hemachandra (12th century) | Historical accounts of Jaina teachers; appendix to larger work |
| Avadanashataka | Buddhist | Sanskrit literature | Collection of 100 Buddhist legends (Avadanas) |
| Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana | Jaina (Digambara) | Jinasena & Gunabhadra (9th century) | Lives of 63 Shalakapurushas (Great Men) |
With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Jainism
The Sthanakvasi sect is a reformist subsect within Jainism that emerged in the 17th century as a protest against idol worship and temple rituals. The name 'Sthanakvasi' literally means 'those who dwell in halls' (sthanak), referring to their practice of worshipping in simple prayer halls rather than ornate temples. This sect emphasizes ascetic practices, scriptural study, and spiritual discipline over ritualistic worship.
📝 Short Notes: Major Jain Sects
| Sect | Key Features | Origin Period |
|---|---|---|
| Digambara | Sky-clad (naked) monks; believe women cannot attain moksha directly; stricter practices | Ancient division (around 300 BCE) |
| Shvetambara | White-clad monks; accept that women can attain moksha; use mouth-covers | Ancient division (around 300 BCE) |
| Sthanakvasi | Reject idol worship; worship in simple halls (sthanaks); emphasize meditation and scriptures; subsect of Shvetambara | 17th century CE (emerged around 1653) |
| Terapanthi | Further reformed sect; centralized leadership under one Acharya; strict non-violence; subsect of Sthanakvasi | 18th century CE (1760) |
- The Sthanakvasi movement was founded by a merchant named Lavaji in Gujarat as a protest against the murtipujak (idol-worshipping) tradition.
- Both Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi sects focus on inner spirituality rather than external ritualism.
- These reformist movements emphasize the original teachings of Mahavira and strict adherence to Jain principles.
Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
- The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
- Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
- Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Nirjara (annihilation of karma) in Jain doctrine is achieved through penance (tapas) and austerities, which help shed accumulated karmic particles from the soul.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Jainism believes in universal vitalism – every object including stones, water, fire, and air possesses a soul (jiva), making even the smallest particle a living entity.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Karma is viewed as subtle matter that binds the soul and obstructs its natural qualities of infinite knowledge and bliss; liberation (moksha) requires complete elimination of karmic bondage.
All three statements are correct.
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