21. Which of the following pairs of religious texts and associated religions is/are matched correctly?
- Milind Panha – Buddhism
- Tanakh – Islamism
- Agamas – Jainism
- Aranyakas – Hinduism
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 1, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Milinda Pañha, a Buddhist text from 100 BC to 200 AD, records a dialogue between sage Nagasena and Indo-Greek king Menander I. The Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, is the Jewish sacred text, with the Torah outlining Jewish laws. The Agamas are the canonical scriptures of Svetambara Jainism, compiled from the teachings of Mahavira by his disciples. Aranyakas are the concluding portions of Brahmanas, named for their association with forest reading, contrasting with the village-focused Brahmanas.
22. Which of the following is true for B.R. Ambedkar?
- He was the first person from his caste who completed his college education and went to England to become a lawyer.
- Later in life he converted to Jainism
- He is considered the father of the Indian Constitution.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] Only 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar (1891-1956) is considered the father of the Indian Constitution and is also the best known leader of the Dalits. Dr. Ambedkar fought for the rights of the Dalit community. Dr. Ambedkar was the first person from his caste who completed his college education and went to England to become a lawyer. He encouraged Dalits to send their children to school and college. He led many efforts of Dalits to gain entry into temples. Later in life he converted to Buddhism in his search for a religion that treated all members equally.
23. Consider the following statements:
- Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
- It was built during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is situated in Delhi opposite the Red Fort. It is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. It is constructed in red sandstone. It was originally built in the year 1658 during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.
24. Consider the following statements regarding “Jina” in Jainism:
- A Jina is one who established Jainism by following the beliefs and attaining liberation by conquering both love and hatred.
- Jinas is neither divine beings nor incarnations of gods.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
A Jina is one who established Jainism by following the beliefs and attaining liberation by conquering both love and hatred. Jinas is neither divine beings nor incarnations of gods. They are enlightened men who spread the unchanging principles of Jainism. Jains believe that spiritual progress, aimed towards ultimate enlightenment and liberation, is the responsibility of each soul. People who are removed from everyday human life and do not answer the prayers of believers.
25. Consider the following statements:
- Both Buddha and Mahavira were Kshatriya by birth
- Kshatriya enthusiastically patronised the new socio-religious reform movements such as Buddhism and Jainism
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2 ]
Notes:
Society at the end of the later Vedic period was divided into four Varnas- Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. In this Brahamanical world view, Kshatriya- the ruling class and Vaishya- the working class, were assigned inferior positions vis-à-vis Brahmans. Upto this time, there was a remarkable increase in the power and prestige of the state, hence the ruling class i.e. Kshatriyas. Yet, they were supposed to obey the Brahmanas. Vaishyas, the only economically productive class of these three, were facing even more disabilities. Additionally, large scale slaughter of cattle wealth in Brahmanical rituals was hurting the new agrarian economy and the Dharmashastras decried money lending. So, these two Varnas reacted against the Brahamanical supremacy and supported Buddhism and Jainism. Notably, both Buddha and Mahavira were Kshatriya by birth. Both, these Varnas enthusiastically patronised these new socio-religious reform movements.
26. Consider the following statements regarding “Jainism and Buddhism”:
- Both the religions were against the Vedas and Vedic culture as well as Brahmanism.
- Both the leaders preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from the materialistic world in their religion.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The similarities between Jainism and Buddhism are listed as follows:
– Belief in faith and action.
– Both are non-theistic religions.
– Both the religions had a common background related to the Aryan culture.
– Both the religions were against the Vedas and Vedic culture as well as Brahmanism.
– Animal sacrifice was opposed by both the religions.
– Both the leaders preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from the materialistic world in their religion.
27. Which of the following is/are patron of Jainism?
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Kharvela
- Ashoka
- Amoghvarsha
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2 and 4
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 and 4]
Notes:Patron of Jainism
- Chandra Gupta Maurya
- Kharavel
- Amoghavarsha
Patron of Buddhism – Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Prasannajit, Udayana, Pradyota, Ashoka, Milindo, Kaniska, Harshavardhana, Gopal, Dharmapada, Rampala, Gautam Buddha.
28. Which sculpture style was influenced by the three religions i.e. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism?
[A] Amaravati style
[B] Mathura style
[C] Gandhara style
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura style]
Notes:
Apart from Buddha-Bodhisattva statues in Mathura style, sculptures of Hindus and Jains have also been built. The Mathura style developed under the patronage of the Kushan rulers. Kankletila Jain sculptures were built in Mathura style.
29. Lord Mahavir was the ______th Tirthankara of Jainism.
[A] 24
[B] 18
[C] 12
[D] 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [24]
Notes:
The birth anniversary of Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti by Jains across the world.
This year, Mahavir Jayanti falls on April 14. Jains obey the five principles conveyed by Mahavir namely: Ahimsa, Satya, Astaya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha.
30. Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC):
- The Commission was headed by M.N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India.
- It recommended expanding Article 19 and Article 21-A of the Constitution.
- It recommended that Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism should be considered as independent religions from Hinduism.
- It advocated the inclusion of a new Directive Principle on Population Control.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 2, 3 and 4
[C] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[D] Only 1 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
The NCRWC, established in 2000 under M.N. Venkatachaliah, proposed several key reforms: expanding the scope of Articles 19 (freedom of speech, including media freedom) and 21-A (right to education), recognizing Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism as religions distinct from Hinduism, and introducing a new Directive Principle on Population Control. Thus, all four statements are correct.
