1. Consider the following statements about the Jain festival of Paryushana:
- Paryushana emphasizes the principles of forgiveness and self-discipline among Jains.
- The festival concludes with Samvatsari, a ritual where Jains seek forgiveness from others, emphasizing compassion and non-violence.
- Maharashtra is one of the states where Paryushana is celebrated with great fervor by the Jain community.
- Paryushana is exclusively celebrated only by the Digambara sect of Jainism.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1, 2 and 3
[C] Only 1, 2 and 4
[D] All are correct statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1, 2 and 3]
Notes:Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct:
- Paryushana is central to Jain religious practice and emphasizes forgiveness and self-discipline.
- Samvatsari, the final day, is marked by seeking forgiveness, reinforcing compassion and non-violence.
- It is widely celebrated in Maharashtra. However, statement 4 is incorrect as Paryushana is observed by both Shwetambara and Digambara Jain sects, not exclusively by one.
2. Which city in Maharashtra is called the “Kashi” of Jainism?
[A] Pune
[B] Aurangabad
[C] Nashik
[D] Karanja Lad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karanja Lad]
Notes:
Karanja Lad, in Washim district, is called the “Kashi” of Jainism, known for its historic Jain temples, three Bhatarakas representing major Digambar Jain traditions, and unique ancient wooden carvings. It is also the birthplace of Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj and houses India’s first Jain Gurukul.
3. Who among the following was the Licchavika leader and Mahāvīra’s uncle who adopted Jainism?
[A] Simha
[B] Ceṭaka
[C] Mahānāman
[D] Kumbha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ceṭaka]
Notes:
Ceṭaka, leader of Licchavis from Vesālī and Mahāvīra’s maternal uncle, adopted Jainism. He aided the spread of Jainism through alliances and political influence in the 6th century BCE, and was an important figure in the Vajjika League.
4. Who was the 20th Tirthankara of Jainism, believed to have been born in Rajgir, Bihar?
[A] Vasupujya
[B] Neminatha
[C] Munisuvrata
[D] Parshvanatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Munisuvrata]
Notes:
Munisuvrata was the 20th Tirthankara of Jainism, born in Rajgir, Bihar. His symbol is the tortoise. He reportedly lived over 30,000 years and his idol was installed in Mathura around 127-157 AD.
5. Which Jain scholar influenced the Solanki ruler Kumarapala to embrace Jainism?
[A] Banarasidas
[B] Umaswati
[C] Jinasena
[D] Hemachandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hemachandra]
Notes:
Solanki ruler Kumarapala adopted Jainism under the influence of Jain scholar Acharya Hemachandra, promoting Jainism and constructing Jain temples during his 12th-century reign in Gujarat.
6. Which sacred mountain near Junagadh in Gujarat is revered by Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism?
[A] Mount Abu
[B] Mount Girnar
[C] Ambaji Hill
[D] Palitana Hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mount Girnar]
Notes:
Mount Girnar in Gujarat, near Junagadh, is a sacred mountain revered in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, believed to resemble the face of a sleeping Lord Shiva, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
7. Who is credited with propounding the Syadvada (the doctrine of sevenfold predication) school of philosophy in Jainism?
[A] Umaswati
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Vardhamana Mahavira
[D] Kundakundacharya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kundakundacharya]
Notes:
Syadvada, central to Jain logic, was propounded by Acharya Kundakundacharya in the 2nd century CE, emphasizing the relativity of statements through sevenfold predication.
8. Consider the following:
- Amoghavarsha I
- Indra III
- Krishna III
Which of the above rulers is known for contributions to literature and Jainism?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Amoghavarsha I was a notable patron of literature, known for his work “Kavirajamarga,” the earliest Kannada text on poetics. He leaned towards Jainism and promoted its principles during his reign. Indra III is recognized for military conquests, notably against the Pratihara king, while Krishna III’s achievements include extensive military campaigns and struggles against rival dynasties. Neither Indra III nor Krishna III is primarily associated with literary contributions or Jainism.
9. With respect to Kumarapala, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Kumarapala is believed to have embraced Jainism under the influence of the Jain scholar Hemachandra.
- Queen Naikidevi led the army against the Turks while holding her son Mularaja II on her lap.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Nor 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- Kumarapala’s embrace of Jainism (Correct): Historical accounts suggest that Kumarapala adopted Jainism, influenced by the scholar Hemachandra, which led him to prohibit the killing of animals and gambling in his kingdom.
- Queen Naikidevi’s bravery (Correct): During the invasion by Muizuddin Muhammad Ghori, Queen Naikidevi displayed remarkable courage by leading her troops against the Turks while holding her young son, Mularaja II, illustrating her strength as a regent.
10. Which of the following doctrines are associated with Jainism?
- Anekantavada
- Syadavada
- Pramana
- Nayavada
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1, 2 and 4
[C] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[D] Only 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
Anekantavada emphasizes the multiplicity of viewpoints, asserting that truth can be perceived from different angles. Syadavada is associated with conditional assertions about truth, while Pramana encompasses the means of acquiring knowledge, including perception and inference. Nayavada focuses on classifying various perspectives or “nayas,” which is essential for understanding Jain philosophy. Therefore, all the mentioned options are significant doctrines in Jainism.
