1. In Jainism, which one of the following does not form part of tri-ratna

In Jainism, which one of the following does not form part of tri-ratna ?

Samyak panch-mahavrata
Samyak jnana
Samyak charitra
Samyak darshana
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
In Jainism, the path to liberation is guided by the Three Jewels (Tri-ratna): Samyak Darshana (Right Faith or Perception), Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). The Panch Mahavratas (five great vows – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession) are integral to Samyak Charitra but are not considered a separate ‘jewel’.
– The Tri-ratna (Three Jewels) of Jainism are Samyak Darshana, Samyak Jnana, and Samyak Charitra.
– These three are essential for liberation (moksha).
– The Panch Mahavratas are part of Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
Samyak Darshana involves having a correct understanding of the fundamental truths of Jainism. Samyak Jnana means having clear and accurate knowledge of the universe as taught by the Tirthankaras. Samyak Charitra refers to the observance of ethical rules and vows (like the Mahavratas) that lead to liberation.

2. According to Jaina tradition, who was the first Jain Tirthankara ?

According to Jaina tradition, who was the first Jain Tirthankara ?

Rishabhadeva
Neminatha
Parshvanatha
Vardhaman
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
According to Jain tradition, Rishabhadeva (also known as Adinatha) was the first of the 24 Tirthankaras. He is considered the founder of Jainism in the present cosmic age (avasarpini).
– Jainism believes in a succession of 24 Tirthankaras.
– Rishabhadeva is the first Tirthankara.
– Mahavira (Vardhamana) is the 24th and last Tirthankara.
The Tirthankaras are spiritual teachers who have conquered the cycle of death and rebirth and provide a path for others to follow. While Rishabhadeva is considered the first, historical evidence for Jainism is more firmly established from the time of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, and the 24th, Mahavira.

3. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of

“Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

Buddhism
Jainism
Shaivism
Vaishnavism
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
The statement describes a belief system where souls or life principles (Jiva) are not confined to just complex organisms like animals and plants but are also present in seemingly inanimate natural objects like rocks, water, fire, and air. This is a fundamental tenet of Jain philosophy. Jainism postulates that Jiva is present in all forms of existence, from complex mobile beings (trasa) to elemental bodies (sthavara), which include earth bodies (prithvi-kaya), water bodies (ap-kaya), fire bodies (tejo-kaya), air bodies (vayu-kaya), and plant bodies (vanaspati-kaya). This comprehensive view of life distinguishes Jainism from other religious sects listed.
Jainism’s concept of Jiva (soul) extends to all aspects of the universe, including what is commonly perceived as non-living matter. This belief forms the basis of the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism, which is practiced with extreme care to avoid harming even the smallest forms of life, including elemental bodies.
Buddhism also emphasizes non-violence but does not extend the concept of soul/sentience to inanimate objects in the same way Jainism does. Shaivism and Vaishnavism, denominations of Hinduism, have diverse philosophical schools, but the concept described is uniquely central to Jain cosmology and ethics.

4. With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts : 1.

With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts :

  • 1. Nettipakarana
  • 2. Parishishtaparvan
  • 3. Avadanashataka
  • 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts ?

1, 2 and 3
2 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4
2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
Among the given texts, Parishishtaparvan and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana are Jaina texts. Nettipakarana and Avadanashataka are Buddhist texts.
– Nettipakarana is a commentary-like text on the teachings of the Buddha, included in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon. It is a Buddhist text.
– Parishishtaparvan (also known as Sthaviravali Charitra) is a 12th-century epic poem by Hemachandra that recounts the history of important early Jain figures. It is a significant Jaina text.
– Avadanashataka (One Hundred Tales of Glorious Deeds) is a collection of Buddhist narratives (Avadanas) in Sanskrit, illustrating the doctrine of karma. It is a Buddhist text.
– Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana is a major Jaina epic composed in Sanskrit, detailing the lives of 63 prominent figures in Jainism (including Tirthankaras and other great souls). It is a fundamental Jaina text.
Identifying religious texts is important for understanding the history, philosophy, and culture of ancient and medieval India. Jaina literature spans various genres, including epics, philosophical treatises, commentaries, and narratives.

5. With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi”

With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

Buddhism
Jainism
Vaishnavism
Shaivism
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
The Sthanakvasi sect is a sub-sect of the Svetambara branch of Jainism. They differ from other Svetambara Jains primarily in their rejection of idol worship and belief in the authenticity of only 32 of the Jain Agamas.
Sthanakvasi means “dwellers in halls,” referring to their practice of worshipping in halls or sthanaks rather than temples with idols.
The sect was founded by Lonkasha Shah in the 15th century. A further reformist movement within the Sthanakvasi tradition led to the formation of the Terapanth sect in the 19th century.

6. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

  • 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
  • 2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
  • 3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
All three statements are applicable to Jain doctrine.
1. **Penance (Tapas):** Jainism strongly emphasizes ascetic practices and penance as a means to burn off accumulated Karma and attain liberation. It is considered essential for purifying the soul and annihilating Karmic matter.
2. **Soul in every object:** Jain philosophy believes that souls (Jiva) exist not only in humans and animals but also in plants, water bodies, air, and even subtle particles (nigodas). This belief underlies the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all forms of life.
3. **Karma as bane of the soul:** Jainism views Karma as subtle matter that attaches to the soul, binding it to the cycle of birth, death, and suffering (samsara). The ultimate goal is to shed all Karmic matter to achieve Moksha (liberation) and attain the soul’s pure state of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.
Key principles of Jainism include Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The path to liberation involves following the three jewels (Triratna): Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).

7. Consider the following statements: 1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained K

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana outside the town of Jrinbhikagrama, on the banks of river Rijupalika and in the field of a householder named Samaga.
  • 2. The state when the Karma particles actually begin to flow towards the Jiva to bind it is known as Asrava.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
Statement 1 correctly states that Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana (omniscience) outside the town of Jrinbhikagrama, on the banks of the river Rijupalika, under a Sal tree in the field of a householder named Samaga.
Statement 2 accurately defines Asrava as the influx of karma particles into the soul (Jiva), which is the initial stage in the process of karmic bondage according to Jain philosophy.
In Jainism, the path to liberation involves stopping the influx of karma (Samvara) and shedding accumulated karma (Nirjara) to attain Kevala Jnana. Asrava is one of the tattvas (fundamentals) describing the process of karma binding the soul.

8. Which of the following statements about Jainism is/are correct? 1.

Which of the following statements about Jainism is/are correct?

  • 1. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated, even stones, rocks and water have life.
  • 2. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2018
Statement 1 is correct. A fundamental tenet of Jainism is the belief that the entire universe is animated (jiva), meaning that life is present not only in living beings but also in inanimate objects such as stones, rocks, water, fire, and air. This forms the basis of the principle of Anekantavada and the extreme emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism.
Statement 2 is correct. Jain philosophy teaches that karma is subtle matter particles that accumulate on the soul and keep it bound to the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Asceticism (tapasya) and rigorous penance are considered essential practices in Jainism to burn off accumulated karma and prevent new karma from attaching to the soul, thereby paving the way for liberation (moksha).
Jainism emphasizes the presence of life in all entities, including supposedly inanimate ones, and prescribes asceticism and penance as the path to shedding karma and achieving liberation.
The three main principles (Triratnas) of Jainism are Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). Right Conduct involves following the five vows: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment).

9. Which of the following statements about Bhadrabahu is/are correct ?

Which of the following statements about Bhadrabahu is/are correct ?

  • He was a Jain Saint.
  • He was spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
Statement 1 is correct because Bhadrabahu was a prominent Jain saint, head of the Digambara sect. Statement 2 is also considered correct in Jain tradition, which holds that Chandragupta Maurya converted to Jainism and became a disciple of Bhadrabahu, accompanying him on a migration to South India (Sravanabelagola).
Bhadrabahu is a significant figure in Jain history, particularly associated with the migration that led to the split into Digambara and Svetambara sects. His connection with Chandragupta Maurya is a notable tradition within Jainism.
While some historians debate the historicity of Chandragupta’s conversion and migration with Bhadrabahu, it remains a widely accepted tradition in Jain literature and is often mentioned in historical contexts related to the Maurya period and the development of Jainism. Bhadrabahu is also credited with writing important Jain texts like ‘Kalpa Sutra’ (though parts are attributed to later authors) and ‘Bhadrabahu Samhita’.

10. Which one of the following statements about the Shvetambara Sect of Ja

Which one of the following statements about the Shvetambara Sect of Jainism is not correct?

It refers to monks, who wear white clothes.
It refers to monks, who migrated to the south of Vindhyas in 4th century BCE.
They recognized the existence of canonical texts including the 12 Angas.
They believed that women can also attain salvation.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
Statement B is incorrect about the Shvetambara sect of Jainism.
The Shvetambara sect, which means ‘white-clad’, refers to Jain monks and nuns who wear white clothes. They largely remained in the northern part of India.
The migration of monks to the south of Vindhyas during a severe famine in the 4th century BCE was led by Bhadrabahu. These monks, who went south, are associated with the Digambara (‘sky-clad’, i.e., naked) sect. The monks who remained in the north under Sthulabhadra constituted the Shvetambara sect. Shvetambaras accept a collection of canonical texts, including the 12 Angas, which Digambaras believe were lost. Shvetambaras also believe that women can attain salvation (moksha), unlike Digambaras who believe one must be reborn as a man first.