Jainism

Q.1 Parshvanatha, the Jain ‘Thirthankara’ was associated mainly with which of the following places? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Varanasi (b) Kaushambi (c) Giribraja (d) Champa

Ans. (a)

Exp:

Parshvanatha (Parshva) was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, immediately preceding Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, Parshvanatha was born at Varanasi (Kashi) to: Father: Ashvasena, Mother: Vama. He is traditionally placed about 250 years before Mahavira.
Important places associated with Parshvanatha:

Birth → Varanasi,

Enlightenment → Ahichchhatra according to some Jain traditions,

Nirvana/Moksha → Mount Sammed Shikhar (Parasnath Hill), Jharkhand

Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand derives its name from Parshvanatha and is one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites. Many Jain Tirthankaras are traditionally believed to have attained liberation at Sammed Shikharji.

Q.2 The salvation place of Mahavirji, the originator of Jain religion, is located at – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) Maner (b) Rajgir (c) Pavapuri (d) Jalan Port (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (c)

Exp:

Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the present Jain tradition, attained Moksha/Nirvana (salvation) at Pavapuri in present-day Bihar. According to Jain tradition, Mahavira attained Mahaparinirvana/Moksha at Pavapuri at the age of 72. Pavapuri subsequently became one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres.
Remember:

· Mahavira's Birth → Kundagrama (near Vaishali)

· Mahavira's Enlightenment → Jrimbhikagrama

· Mahavira's Nirvana/Moksha → Pavapuri

Q.3 Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017)

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

(d) 3 1 4 2

Ans. (a)

Exp:

Adinatha, also known as Rishabhanatha, is the 1st Tirthankara. His cognizance is: Bull (Vrishabha)
Mallinatha is the 19th Tirthankara. His cognizance is: Water Jar (Kalasha)
Important: Jain traditions differ regarding Mallinatha's gender: Shvetambara tradition regards Mallinatha as female, while Digambara tradition regards Mallinatha as male. This does not affect the cognizance asked here.
Parshvanatha is the 23rd Tirthankara. His most distinctive symbol is: Snake/serpent. He is frequently depicted with a serpent hood over his head.
Sambhavanatha is the 3rd Tirthankara. His cognizance is: Horse.
For Prelims, these are especially worth memorising:

· 1st Rishabhanatha → Bull

· 2nd Ajitanatha → Elephant

· 3rd Sambhavanatha → Horse

· 7th Suparshvanatha → Swastika

· 19th Mallinatha → Water Jar

· 23rd Parshvanatha → Snake

· 24th Mahavira → Lion

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.4 Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021)

(Tirthankar) - (Nirvan Place)

(a) Rishabhanath - Ashtapad

(b) Vasupujya – Sammed Shikhar

(d) Mahavira – Pavapuri

Ans (b)

Exp:

Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) was the 1st Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, he attained Nirvana at Ashtapada.
Vasupujya was the 12th Tirthankara. He is traditionally believed to have attained Nirvana at Champapuri (Champa) in present-day Bihar.
Neminatha (Arishtanemi) was the 22nd Tirthankara. His Nirvana is traditionally associated with Mount Girnar, also known as Urjayanta, in present-day Gujarat.
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Nirvana/Moksha at Pavapuri in Bihar.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q.5 Triratna or Three Jewels, i.e., right knowledge, right faith and right action are related to which of the following? (66th B.P.S.C. (Pre.) 2020)

(a) Buddhism (b) Hinduism (c) Jainism (d) Christianity (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (c)

Exp:

The Triratna (Three Jewels) are the fundamental path to liberation in Jainism. They are:
Right Faith — Samyak Darshana: Having correct belief or faith in the teachings of Jainism.
Right Knowledge — Samyak Jnana: Understanding reality correctly, particularly the nature of Jiva, Ajiva, karma, bondage and liberation.
Right Conduct — Samyak Charitra: Living according to the ethical principles of Jainism and controlling passions and actions.
Together, they all form the path toward: Moksha / Liberation
Don't confuse Jain Triratna with the Buddhist Three Jewels. Buddhism — Three Jewels: Buddha + Dhamma/Dharma + Sangha

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.6 With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to – (UPSC - 2018)

(a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism

Ans. (b)

Exp:

Sthanakvasi is a sect of Shvetambara Jainism. It emerged in the 17th century CE, associated with Lonkashah's reform movement and later developed as a distinct sect. The word Sthanakvasi is derived from sthanaka, meaning a place of worship/meeting hall.
Key features of Sthanakvasi Jainism:
Belongs to the Shvetambara tradition.
Does not worship images/idols of Tirthankaras.
Places strong emphasis on scriptural teachings and ascetic discipline.
Sthanakvasi monks generally do not stay permanently in temples; they use sthanakas for religious activities.

Q.7 Which of the following religions does not trust in the concept of ‘final annihilation of the world’? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014)

(a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Hinduism (d) Islam

Ans. (b)

Exp:

The key concept here is Jain cosmology. Jainism does not believe that the universe was created at a particular point in time or that it will ultimately be destroyed/annihilated permanently. According to Jain philosophy: The universe is eternal. It has no beginning and no absolute end. The universe continually undergoes cycles of rise and decline, but the basic universe itself is not finally destroyed. Jainism → Eternal universe → No creation + No final annihilation.
Buddhist cosmology describes cycles of formation and destruction of world systems. World systems arise and pass away through cycles. However, Buddhism does not generally posit an eternal, unchanging universe in the Jain sense.
Hindu cosmology also describes cyclical creation and destruction. The universe undergoes repeated cycles: Creation → preservation → dissolution → recreation. The dissolution of the universe is associated with Pralaya. Therefore, Hinduism does recognise cosmic dissolution, although it is cyclical rather than a one-time final destruction.
Islam teaches an ultimate end of the present world, followed by Resurrection and Judgement. This is associated with: Qiyamah / Day of Judgement. Therefore, Islam does recognise a final end of the present worldly order.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q.8 Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jaina Doctrine? (UPSC - 2013)

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

Ans. (d)

Exp:

According to Jainism, karma is understood as a subtle material substance that attaches itself to the jiva (soul) because of passions and activities. Jainism describes two important processes:
Asrava → Influx of karma into the soul.
Bandha → Bondage of karma with the soul.
To stop new karma:
Samvara → Stoppage of karmic influx.
To destroy/eliminate accumulated karma:
Nirjara → Shedding/annihilation of accumulated karma. Penance and austerities (tapas) are important means of Nirjara. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
“Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul” , this comes from the Jain doctrine of Jiva. Jainism recognizes an enormous range of living entities, including very minute forms of life. Jainism divides reality broadly into:
Jiva → living beings/souls
Ajiva → non-living reality.

So, Statement 2 is considered correct.

The jiva is intrinsically pure, possessing qualities such as: infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite energy, and bliss. But karmic matter becomes attached to the soul and causes bondage. Therefore, the Jain spiritual objective is: Stop new karma + remove existing karma → liberation (Moksha). The soul becomes liberated when its karmic bondage is completely removed. So, Statement 3 is also considered correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q.9 Which one of the following is not true about the Barabar hill caves? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017)

(a) There are in all four caves on the Barabar hill

(b) Inscriptions of Ashoka are found on the walls of three caves.

(d) These inscriptions date back to 6th century BC.

Ans. (d)

Exp:

The Barabar caves belong primarily to the Mauryan period, especially the reign of Ashoka (3rd century BCE). The inscriptions associated with Ashoka are therefore from the: 3rd century BCE, not the 6th century BCE. So, Option (d) is Incorrect.
The Barabar Hill group consists of four principal caves: Sudama Cave, Lomas Rishi Cave, Karan Chaupar Cave and Visvakarma Cave.
Ashokan inscriptions are found in the Barabar group. Important examples include inscriptions associated with: Sudama Cave, Karan Chaupar and Visvakarma. These inscriptions are generally dated to the 3rd century BCE, during Ashoka's reign.
“Dedicated to Ajivakas —”, this is one of the most important facts about Barabar. Ashoka's inscriptions record the dedication of caves to the Ajivika ascetics. The Ajivikas were an ancient ascetic sect that existed alongside Buddhism and Jainism.