UPSC CSE Prelims
Jainism Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

In Jainism, every soul moves through the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara) based on its karma. The religion recognizes four main forms of existence (Four Gatis):

• Deva Gati – Gods/Heavenly beings

• Manushya Gati – Humans

• Tiryancha Gati – Animals, plants, and other non-human beings

• Naraki Gati – Hell beings

• Yaksha is not one of the Four Gatis.

• Yakshas are considered attendant deities (Shasan Devatas) and are classified under Vyantar Devas, a sub-category of celestial beings.

• Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

Four Gatis in Jainism

Important Facts

• Manushya Gati is considered the most important because Moksha (Liberation) can be attained only from human birth.

• The soul continuously moves through these Gatis according to its karma.

• Jainism emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence) because all living beings possess a soul.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only

Gautama Buddha was commonly known by several epithets that reflected his origins and spiritual attainment. Shakyamuni means 'Sage of the Shakya clan' (his birth clan), and Tathagata means 'one who has thus gone/come' (signifying his enlightenment). However, Nayaputta (son of Naya) was an epithet used for Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, not for Buddha.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Nayaputta was an epithet of Mahavira (founder of Jainism), not Gautama Buddha.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Shakyamuni means 'Sage of the Shakya clan' and was a common epithet for Buddha who belonged to the Shakya clan.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Tathagata, meaning 'one who has thus gone/come', is one of the most important epithets of Buddha signifying his enlightenment.

📝 Short Notes: Epithets and Titles of Gautama Buddha

• Shakyamuni: Sage of the Shakya clan; refers to his birth in the Shakya republic
• Tathagata: 'Thus-gone' or 'Thus-come'; signifies one who has achieved enlightenment and describes the nature of a Buddha
• Buddha: 'The Awakened One' or 'The Enlightened One'
• Siddhartha Gautama: His birth name; Siddhartha means 'one who has accomplished his goals'
• Bhagavan/Bhagavat: 'The Blessed One' or 'Lord'
• Sugata: 'Well-gone' or 'Well-spoken'
• Jina: 'The Conqueror' (of desires and ignorance)
• Note: Nayaputta (son of Naya) and Mahavira (Great Hero) were epithets of Vardhamana, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Jainism

The statement reflects the fundamental Jain doctrine that the entire cosmos is alive. According to Jain philosophy, souls (Jivas) are not restricted to humans, animals, and plants but are also present in elements like rocks (earth), running water, air, and fire. These are categorized as Sthavara Jivas (immobile living beings) or Ekendriya (one-sensed beings). This ontological belief is the foundation for the rigorous practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism, as harming any natural element is considered harming a living soul.

📝 Short Notes: Jain Doctrine of Soul (Jiva)

• Jiva (Soul): Jainism believes that souls exist in all forms of matter—living and non-living by conventional standards.
• Classification of Jivas: Divided into two main categories: Sthavara (immobile) and Trasa (mobile).
• Ekendriya (One-sensed beings): Includes earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, and plant-bodied beings—all possessing the sense of touch only.
• Multi-sensed beings: Range from two-sensed (worms) to five-sensed beings (humans, animals) with progressively more senses.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This belief in universal souls makes Jainism the most rigorous religion in practicing non-violence, avoiding harm to even the smallest elements.
• Anekantavada: The doctrine of non-absolutism or multiplicity of viewpoints—recognizes that truth has many aspects and no single viewpoint is complete.
• Difference from other religions: Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism do not attribute souls to inanimate natural objects like rocks and water.