Jainism, one of the oldest living religions, emerged in ancient India around the 6th century BCE. Founded by Mahavira, the religion promotes non-violence, truthfulness, non-attachment, and asceticism as essential principles for spiritual liberation. Jainism emphasizes the concept of ahimsa (non-violence) at its core, advocating for the protection and reverence of all living beings. Central to Jain teachings are the Three Jewels: right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. The religion encompasses a rich tradition of meditation, fasting, and self-discipline, aiming to attain moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death. Jainism continues to influence its followers with its profound philosophy of non-violence, compassion, and respect for all forms of life.
You can test your knowledge related to Jainism and boost your preparation with following the previous year’s questions asked in different civil service exams on this topic. Let’s start!
1. The originator of the Jain religion is –
(a) Arya Sudharma
(b) Mahavira Swami
(c) Parshwanath
(d) Rishabh Dev
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (d) Rishabh Dev
- Rishabhdev or Aadinath was the first Tirthankara in the Jain religion.
- Mahavira Swami was the 24th Tirthankar who spread Jain beliefs in the 6th century BCE.
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2. Parshvanatha, the Jain ‘Thirthankara’ was associated mainly with which of the following places?
(a) Varanasi
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Giribraja
(d) Champa
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (a) Varanasi
- Lord Parshvanath was the 23rd Thirthankara of the Jain faith.
- He was born in the city of Varanasi, to King Aswasena and Queen Vama.
- He gained Kaivalya (complete knowledge) at Ashrampad Udyan near Varanasi and passed away on Mount Sammed Shikhar or Sammeta.
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3. Consider the following ‘Tirthankara’ and arrange them in chronological order:
I. Abhinandan
II. Vimal Nath
III. Munishubratha Nath
IV. Padmaprabhu
Select the correct answer from the code given below.
Code :
(a) I, IV, II, and III
(b) III, I, II and IV
(c) IV, III, I and II
(d) IV, I, III and II
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2020]
Ans. (a) I, IV, II, and III
| Sr.No |
Tirthankara Name |
Symbol |
Birthplace |
Colour |
| 1 |
Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) |
Bull |
Ayodhya |
Golden |
| 2 |
Ajitanatha |
Elephant |
Ayodhya |
Golden |
| 3 |
Sambhavanatha |
Horse |
Shravasti |
Golden |
| 4 |
Abhinandananatha |
Monkey |
Samet Sikhar |
Golden |
| 5 |
Sumatinatha |
Heron |
Ayodhya |
Golden |
| 6 |
Padmaprabha |
Padma |
Samet Sikhar |
Red |
| 7 |
Suparshvanatha |
Swastika |
Samet Sikhar |
Golden |
| 8 |
Chandraprabha |
Crescent Moon |
Chandrapuri |
White |
| 9 |
Pushpadanta |
Crocodile |
Kakandi |
White |
| 10 |
Shitalanatha |
Shrivatsa |
Bhadrak Puri |
Golden |
| 11 |
Shreyanasanatha |
Rhinoceros |
Samet Sikhar |
Golden |
| 12 |
Vasupujya |
Buffalo |
Champapuri |
Red |
| 13 |
Vimalanatha |
Boar |
Kampilya |
Golden |
| 14 |
Anantanatha |
Falcon |
Ayodhya |
Golden |
| 15 |
Dharmanatha |
Vajra |
Ratnapuri |
Golden |
| 16 |
Shantinatha |
Antelope or deer |
Hastinapur |
Golden |
| 17 |
Kunthunatha |
Goat |
Hastinapur |
Golden |
| 18 |
Aranatha |
Nandyavarta or fish |
Hastinapur |
Golden |
| 19 |
Māllīnātha |
Kalasha |
Mithila |
Blue |
| 20 |
Munisuvrata |
Tortoise |
Kusagranagar |
Black |
| 21 |
Naminatha |
Blue lotus |
Mithila |
Golden |
| 22 |
Neminatha |
Shankha |
Dvaraka |
Black |
| 23 |
Parshvanatha |
Snake |
Kashi |
Blue |
| 24 |
Mahavira |
Lion |
Kshatriyakund |
Golden |
4. Where was Mahavira Swami born?
(a) Kundagram
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Magadha
(d) Vaishali
[53rd to 55thB.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011, 47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005, 42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (a) Kundagram
- Mahavira Swami was born in Kundagram near Vaishali around 599 BC.
- His mother was Trishala, the sister of the chief of the Lichchhavi republic, and his father was Siddhartha, the leader of the Gyatrik Kshatriya.
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5. Mahavira Jain breathed his last at–
(a) Rajgir
(b) Ranchi
(c) Pavapuri
(d) Samastipur
[45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (c) Pavapuri
- Mahavira Swami was born in the area of Kundagram near Vaishali in 599 BC.
- Mahavira died at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at Pava (Pavapuri near Patna).
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6. On the banks of which river did Mahavira Swami attain enlightenment?
(a) Swarnasikta
(b) Palashini
(c) Ganga
(d) Rijupalika
[U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (d) Rijupalika
- Mahavir Swami achieved knowledge and understanding at the edge of the Rijupalika river in the village of Jrimbhik.
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7. The word Tirthankara is related to –
(a) Buddhists
(b) Christians
(c) Hindus
(d) Jains
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (d) Jains
- The Tirthankara is an important part of the Jain Religion.
- 24 Tirthankaras have been known to share their knowledge and teachings over time.
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8. Who was the last one in the order of Jain Tirthankaras?
(a) Parshvanath
(b) Risabhdev
(c) Mahavira
(d) Manisuvrata
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (c) Mahavira
- Mahavira Swami was the 24th Tirthankar who spread Jain beliefs in the 6th century BCE.
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9. Which one of the following was not a Jain Tirthankara?
(a) Chandraprabhu
(b) Nathamuni
(c) Nemi
(d) Sambhav
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (b) Nathamuni
- Nathamuni (823 CE – 951 CE), also known as Sri Ranganathamuni, was a Vaishnava theologian who collected and compiled the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
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10. Prabhasgiri is a pilgrim spot of :
(a) Buddhists
(b) Jains
(c) Saivites
(d) Vaishnavites
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (b) Jains
- Prabhasgiri is a holy spot for Jains in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh.
- It is connected to the 6th Jain Tirthankara, Padmaprabha.
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11 In the Jain Religion, which word is used for ‘Complete Intellect’?
(a) Jin
(b) Ratna
(c) Kaivalya
(d) Nirvana
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (c) Kaivalya
- In Jainism, the term Kaivalya means ‘complete knowledge’.
- Mahavira Swami achieved this knowledge after 12 years of intense spiritual practice near Jrimbhik village, near the Rijupalika river, under a Sal tree.
- He is therefore known as Kevlin.
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12. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Tirthankara) |
(Cognizance) |
| A. Adinatha |
1. Bull |
| B. Mallinatha |
2. Horse |
| C. Parshavanatha |
3. Snake |
| D. Sambhavnatha |
4. Water Jar |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 1 4 3 2
(b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 3 1 4 2
(d) 3 1 4 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) 1 4 3 2
- The correctly matched list is as follows –
| Tirthankaras |
Cognizance |
| A. Adinatha |
Bull |
| B. Mallinatha |
Water Jar |
| C. Parshavanatha |
Snake |
| D. Sambhavnatha |
Horse |
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13. Match list-I with list-II and choose the correct answer From the code given below –
List-I List-II
(Tirthankara) (Their cognition)
| A. Parshvanath |
1. Bull |
| B. Adinath |
2. Lion |
| C. Mahaveer |
3. Snake |
| D. Shantinath |
4. Deer |
Code –
(a) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)
(b) A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i)
(c) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)
(d) A-(iii), B-(i), C-(ii), D-(iv)
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans (d) A-(iii), B-(i), C-(ii), D-(iv)
- The correctly matched list is as follows –
| A. Parshvanath |
Snake |
| B. Adinath |
Bull |
| C. Mahaveer |
Lion |
| D. Shantinath |
Deer |
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14. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
| (Tirthankar) |
(Nirvana Place) |
| (a) Rishabhanath |
Ashtapad |
| (b) Vasupujya |
Sammedashikhar |
| (c) Neminath |
Urjayanta |
| (d) Mahavira |
Pavapuri |
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans (b) Vasupujya – Sammedashikhar
- Vasupujya’s father was the king of Champa.
- His mother was Jaya Devi.
- Jaya Devi was pregnant, the king of gods visited to show respect to the unborn child.
- Therefore, the baby was named Vasupujya (Venerated by Vasu).
- He became enlightened after only one month of meditation and achieved liberation (Moksha) at Champapuri in India, on the 14th day of the bright half of the month of Ashadh.
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15. The doctrine of three jewels-Right faith, Right Action, and Right Knowledge, is the crowning glory of :
(a) Buddhism
(b) Christianity
(c) Jainism
(d) None of these
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (c) Jainism
- In Jain philosophy, three things are seen as essential for freedom from suffering: having the right faith, action and knowledge.
- These three things are called the ‘Triratna’ in Jain religion.
- Freedom from the bondage and effect of evil omens is called Sanvar Tattva.
- The destruction of Karma is the Nirjara element.
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16. The correct of Anuvrata was advocated by:
(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) The Lokayata school
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (c) Jainism
- In Jainism, monks are determined to uplift their souls and so they give up worldly pleasures and follow five main vows called Mahavratas: non-violence, truthfulness, celibacy, non-stealing, and non-possessiveness.
- These are hard to follow for the ordinary person, so they take on Anuvratas (‘little vows’) which are smaller versions of the Mahavratas.
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17. Syadvad is a doctrine of –
(a) Lokayatism
(b) Saivism
(c) Jainism
(d) Vaishnavism
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (c) Jainism
- Mahavira Swami was the 24th spiritual leader in the Jain faith.
- He rejected the beliefs of Vedas and the customs associated with them that he thought were wrong.
- He adopted the middle path called “Anekantavad” or “Syadvad” instead.
- Syadvad is also known as “Saptabhangi Naya”, which means that knowledge is not absolute.
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18. Which of the following Doctrines are associated with Jainism?
(i) Anekantavada (ii) Sarvastivada
(iii) Sunyavada (iv) Syadvada
Select the correct answer using the code given below –
(a) (i) and (iv)
(b) (ii) and (iv)
(c) (i), (ii), and (iii)
(d) (ii) and (iii)
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans. (a) (i) and (iv)
- Mahavira Swami was the 24th leader of the Jain religion who disagreed with the Vedas and their traditions.
- He chose a middle ground known as ‘Anekantavad’ or ‘Syadvad’ which means that knowledge is relative.
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19. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Vaishnavism
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011, I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (b) Jainism
- Anekantavada is the main idea and belief behind Jainism.
- It is also called the Saptabhangi belief.
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20. With reference to the religious practices in India, The “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (b) Jainism
- Sthanakvasi is a branch of Svetambara Jainism which began in 1653 A.D.
- It was formed from an earlier reformist group known as ‘Lonka’, set up by Lonkasha.
- This sect believes that idols are not necessary to achieve spiritual growth and reach Nirvana.
- The Sthanakvasi do not have temples, but only sthanakas, which are like prayer-halls.
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21. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (a) Universal Law
- According to Jainism, the fundamental true form of the universe follows a universal law.
- Everything in the universe is eternal and changes over time without losing its qualities.
- Jainism believes that the universe is infinite and does not need the help of any higher power to be created or managed; it is controlled by its own laws of nature.
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22. Which of the following religions does not trust in the concept of ‘final annihilation of the world’?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Hinduism
(d) Islam
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (b) Jainism
- According to Jain belief, the universal law is the true form of the universe.
- Everything in the universe is eternal and undergoes gradual changes.
- Jains think that the universe never began or ended, and there is no need for an all-powerful being to create or control it, as it follows its own laws.
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23. The Basic point of Jainism is-
(a) Act
(b) Loyalty
(c) Non-violence
(d) Disfavour
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (c) Non-violence
- Jainism is known for its emphasis on nonviolence.
- This principle is more important than any other beliefs, rules or customs.
- The core values of Jainism are nonviolence, acceptance of multiple viewpoints, and not taking more than what is necessary
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24. Yapaniya was the sect of-
(a) Buddhist
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivists
(d) Vaishnavists
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (b) Jainism
- Yapaniya was a part of Jainism which is thought to have started with the Digambaras.
- They also practiced some Shwetambar beliefs.
- In their temples, they worshipped statues of Tirthankaras without clothes.
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25. Which of the following is the earliest holy book of Jain?
(a) Twelve Angas
(b) Twelve Upangas
(c) Fourteen Purvas
(d) Fourteen Uppurva
[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (c) Fourteen Purvas
- The Fourteen Purvas is an ancient Jain scripture that was taught by all of the Tirthankaras.
- During the time of the last Nand Ruler, Sambhootvijay and Bhadrabahu were the leaders of the Sangha.
- These two were the last people who knew about the 14 purva texts, which were given by Mahavira.
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26. In which one of the following languages was the earliest Jain literature compiled?
(a) Ardh-Magadhi
(b) Paali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Sanskrit
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
Ans. (a) Ardh-Magadhi
- Jain religious texts were originally written in a dialect of the Prakrit language called Ardha-Magadhi.
- They were put together in the 6th century at a place called Vallabhi in Gujarat.
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27. Which of the following places is known as a place of Pilgrimages because of being related to Parshvanath?
(a) Champa
(b) Pava
(c) Sammed Shikhar
(d) Urjyant
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) Sammed Shikhar
- Parshvanatha was the 23rd spiritual leader of Jainism.
- He was born in 850 BC to King Asvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi, and he was part of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
- He lived as the prince of Varanasi, but when he was 30 years old he decided to become a monk.
- He meditated for 84 days before achieving spiritual enlightenment.
- He passed away at Sammed Sikhar, which is now considered a pilgrimage site for Jains.
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28. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jain literature?
(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (a) Therigatha
- The Therigatha is a Buddhist holy book that includes stories of the early Buddhist nuns (bhikshunis).
- Their stories are told with truth and beauty, and show what remarkable women they were.
- Jain scriptures also include similar stories.
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29. Who was the first founder of the Shwetambar creed during the first partition of the Jain creed?
(a) Sthulabhadra
(b) Bhadrabahu
(c) Kalakacharya
(d) Deverdhi Kshama Sharman
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (a) Sthulabhadra
- Around 150 years after Lord Mahavira left, a famine caused by a lack of food lasted for 12 years.
- This made it difficult for Jain monks to follow their code of conduct.
- As a result, Bhadrabahuswami decided to move south with some of his followers.
- Those who stayed behind had difficulty remembering what they had learned and wore white clothes.
- The people who moved south with Bhadrabahuswami chose to not wear any clothing and were called Digamabars, while those who stayed in the north were called Shwetamabars because of the white clothing they wore.
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30. The first disciple of Lord Mahavir was –
(a) Jamali
(b) Yashoda
(c) Bipin
(d) Prabhash
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (a) Jamali
- Jamali, who was Mahavira’s son-in-law, was one of the first people to visit him while he was travelling.
- They both met at Kshatriya-Kundagram, which was Mahavira’s birthplace.
- Jamali and five hundred other members of the warrior caste took a vow with Lord Mahavira, making Jamali the first disciple.
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31. Svetambara Agama was finally edited at the Jain Council of –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Balabhi
(c) Pawa
(d) Pataliputra
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (d) Pataliputra
- Under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya, the first Jain Council was held to edit the Shwetambara Agama.
- Since the old Jain texts had been destroyed, another Jain Council was set up in the 4th century BC which the followers of Bhadrabahu did not attend.
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32. Read the following statements related to Jaina Literature and choose the appropriate option:
Statement I: The Shvetambara Canon included the 12 Angas
Statement II: According to Shvetambara tradition, the Angas were compiled at a council held at Vallabhi
(a) Statement I and Statement II both are true
(b) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true
(c) Statement I and Statement II both are false
(d) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false
- The Shvetambara tradition of Jainism has twelve main parts, known as Angas, which were compiled at a gathering in Patliputra around 310 BCE based on the teachings of Mahavira.
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33. Consider the following statements :
1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi King Chetaka
2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Koliyan dynasty
3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (c) 2 and 3
- Mahavira was born in 599 BC in Kundagram, a village near Vaishali in Bihar.
- His real name was Vardhamana.
- His father, Siddhartha, was the leader of the Gyatrika Kshatriya clan of the Vaishali people, and his mother, Trishala, was the sister of Chetaka, the king of Lichchhavi.
- Mahavira was also related to Bimbisara, the ruler of Magadha, who married Chellana, the daughter of Chetaka.
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34. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthulabhadra.
(b) The Jains who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra.
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC.
(d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshipped image unlike Buddhist.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC
- Option (c) is the correct answer.
- Bhadrabahuswami spread Jainism in South India and the people who followed Jainism were called Digambars.
- Kalinga King Kharavela was a follower of Jainism and he provided support to Jain
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35. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to the Jaina 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 :
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Jainism teaches that every single thing, even the smallest particle, has a soul.
- They believe that the law of Karma applies to everyone and everything.
- This law states that each action we take – thinking, speaking, or doing – will result in an effect, which will then serve as the cause for another action.
- This chain of cause and effect is known as Karma.
- The state of a soul at any given time is determined by the karma it has accumulated throughout time.
- Karma not only involves the cycle of rebirth, but it is also considered an invisible force that infiltrates the soul to cover its natural, clear qualities.
- According to Karma, a soul will be reborn into different stages of existence, like heaven or hell, or as a human or an animal.
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36. “Samadhi Maran” is related to which Philosophy?
(a) Buddhist Philosophy
(b) Jain Philosophy
(c) Yoga Philosophy
(d) Lokayat Philosophy
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Jain Philosophy
- The Jain ethical code of conduct includes a last vow called Samadhi Maran, Sallekhana, and Sanyasna Maran.
- Jain ascetics and lay people observe this vow by slowly decreasing their food and drink intake when they reach the end of their lives due to old age, an incurable illness, or when death is near.
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37. Consider the following statements:
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were Patrons of Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 or 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- In the 3rd and 4th centuries, the Ikshvaku dynasty ruled over southern India.
- They followed the Vedic religion, but also supported Buddhism.
- During the Pala dynasty, Bengal became an important center of Buddhism because the Pala’s supported it.
- Therefore, statement (I) is incorrect and statement (II) is correct.
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38. ‘Ajivaka’ sect was founded by:
(a) Anand
(b) Rahulabhadra
(c) Makkhali Gosala
(d) Upali
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996, 39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (c) Makkhali Gosala
- Makkhali Gosala was a follower of Mahavira, but later they disagreed and Gosala started his own religion called Ajivaka.
- This religion believed that everything that happens in the world is determined by fate.
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39. Who among these rendered that “Fate assigns everything, human is incapable.”
(a) Jains
(b) Buddhists
(c) Aajivakas
(d) Mimansakas
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (c) Aajivakas
- Makkhali Gosala was a follower of Mahavira at first, but then he disagreed with Mahavira’s views and started his own religion called Ajivaka.
- This religion believed that destiny was in control of everything that happened in the world.
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40. The sect which believed in the abiding nature of destiny:
(a) Jainism
(b) Ajivakas
(c) Charvaka
(d) Buddhism
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013]
Ans. (b) Ajivakas
- Makkhali Gosala used to follow Mahavira, but they disagreed and Makkhali started his own religion, called Ajivaka.
- This religion believed in Niyatiwad, which is the concept that every event in the world is determined by destiny.
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41. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below :
List-I List-II
| A. Lakulisa |
1. Ajivaka |
| B. Nagarjuna |
2. Sunyavada |
| C. Bhadrabahu |
3. Pasupat |
| D. Gosala |
4. Jain |
Codes :
A B C D
(a) 2 3 4 1
(b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 1 2 3 4
(d) 3 1 4 2
[U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre)2017]
Ans. (b) 3 2 4 1
- The correctly matched list is as follows –
List-I List-II
(Acharya) (Doctrine)
| A. Lakulisa |
Pasupat |
| B. Nagarjuna |
Sunyavada |
| C. Bhadrabahu |
Jain |
| D. Gosala |
Ajivaka |
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42. Who used the caves of Barabar as their shelter-house?
(a) Ajivakas
(b) Tharus
(c) Jains
(d) Tantrikas
[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (a) Ajivakas
- The practice of cutting into the mountains and creating homes out of them was perfected during the time of Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha.
- Houses were built for the Ajivaka followers after cutting the hills of Barabar and Nagarjuni.
- The ‘Cave of Sudama’ and ‘Karn Chaupad’, which were created during the Ashoka Era, were well-known within the Barabar caves
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43. Which one of the following is not true about the Barabar hill caves?
(a) There are in all four caves on the Barabar hill
(b) Inscriptions of Ashoka are found on the walls of three caves.
(c) These inscriptions inform us about the dedication of these caves to the Ajivakas
(d) These inscriptions date back to the 6th century BC.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) These inscriptions date back to the 6th century BC.
- The Barabar Caves were about 30 Km away from Gaya.
- People carved them out of rocks so that monks could live in them.
- There were four caves on the Barabar Hill and the walls of three of them contained inscriptions from Ashoka.
- The caves were used by ascetics from the Ajivaka sect, which was led by Makkhali Gosala.
- The caves are from the Mauryan period and the inscriptions on the walls date back to the third century BC.
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44. The famous pilgrimage of Buddhists as well as of Jains in Uttar Pradesh is at
(a) Sarnath
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Devipatan
(d) Kushinagar
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010, R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (b) Kaushambi
- Kaushambi district was split from Prayagraj on April 4th, 1997, and it is 33 miles away from the south-west of Prayagraj.
- It has been referred to many times in Vedic and Jain literature.
- Puranas say that Nicakshu, the sixth in line from Parikshita, moved his capital from Hastinapur to Kaushambi because Hastinapur had been damaged by floods, an invasion of locusts, and turmoil within the Kuru family.
- According to Jain sources, Kaushambi was named because of the abundance of Kushamb trees in the town.
- It is a popular pilgrimage site for Jains and Buddhists.
- Mahatma Buddha held multiple teachings here and made many disciples.
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45. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanabelagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains
(b) India’s largest Buddhist monastery is in Arunachal Pradesh
(c) The Khajuraho temples were built under Chandela Kings
(d) The Hoyseleswara temple is dedicated to Shiva
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (a) The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanabelagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains
- Shravanabelagola is a city in Karnataka, which is home to the Gommateshvara Bahubali statue, an important holy site for Jainism.
- Mahavir Swami was the last Tirthankara of Jainism, so option (a) is incorrect.
- The Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the largest monastery in India.
- The Khajuraho monuments were created during the Chandela Rajput dynasty.
- The Hoyseleswara Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
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46. Who built the “Gommateshwara” statue at Sravanabelagola?
(a) Chamundraya
(b) Krishan-I
(c) Kumarpala
(d) Tejpala.
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009, I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (a) Chamundraya
- Shravanabelagola is a city located in Karnataka.
- It is famous for the statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali, which is an important tirtha in Jainism.
- Mahavir Swami was the last Tirthankara of Jainism, so option (a) is incorrect. The Tawang Monastery is the largest in India, located in the Arunachal Pradesh town of Tawang.
- The Khajuraho group of monuments was constructed during the time of the Rajput Chandela dynasty.
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47. Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for which of the following?
(a) Bahubali
(b) Buddha
(c) Mahavirji
(d) Nataraja
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (a) Bahubali
- Mahamastakabhisheka is a major religious celebration connected to Lord Bahubali.
- This ceremony would take place every 12 years in Sravanbelgola, Karnataka.
- There is a massive 57-foot statue of the God/Saint Gomteshwar Bahubali.
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