1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPPSC 2017)
List-I(Tirthankara) List-II(Cognizance)
A. Adinatha 1. Bull
B. Mallinatha 2. Horse
C. Parshvanatha 3. Snake
D. Sambhavnatha 4. Water Jar
A B C D
a) 1 4 3 2
b) 1 3 2 4
c) 2 4 3 1
d) 3 1 4 2
Answer. a) 1 4 3 2
There were 24 Tirthankar in Jainism. The following are brief descriptions of 24 Tirthankar and its Symbols.
1. Rishabha Natha or Adinath ( Bull)
2. Ajith ( Elephant)
3. Shambhava ( Horse)
4. Abhinandana ( Ape)
5. Sumati ( Heron)
6. Padmaprabha ( Lotus)
7. Suparrshva ( Swastik)
8. Chandra Prabha ( Moon)
9. Suvidi or Pushpadant ( Dolphin or Sea Dragon)
10. Shitala ( Shrivatsa)
11. Shreyams ( Rhinoce)
12. Vasupujya (Buffalo)
13. Vimala ( Boar)
14. Ananta ( Hawk or Bear)
15. Dharma ( Thunderbolt)
16. Snanti ( Antelope Deer)
17. Kunthu ( Goat)
18. Ara ( Nandyavarta or Fish)
19. Malli ( Water Jug)
20. Suvrata ( Tortoise)
21. Nimin ( Blue Lotus)
22. Nemi ( Conch Shell)
23. Parshvanath ( Snake)
24. Vardhamana Mahavira ( Lion)
2. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched? ( UPPSC 2020)
( Tirthankar) (Nirvana Place)
a) Rishabhanath -- Ashtapad
b) Vasupujya - Sammedashikhar
c) Neminath - Urjayanta
d) Mahavira - Pavapuri
Answer. B;
Nirvana Place of Tirthankar "Vasupujya" is Champapuri, Bihar.
3. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by (UPSC 2011)
a) Universal Law
b) Universal Truth
c) Universal Faith
d) Universal Soul
Answer. a) Universal Law
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal Law.
4. Concerning the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? (UPSC 2012)
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas.
3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. b) 2 and 3 only
Buddhism does not believe in the Atma ( Soul), the Caste System, and the authority of Veda.
Buddhist philosophy promotes the avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment and promotes the middle path.
Buddhism strongly believes in Rebirth, Ahimsa, and the middle path to living a healthy life.
Jain philosophy rejects the Vedic principles and rituals
Jain's philosophy believes in the existence of God, however, they Believe God's position is lower than Jina's.
The world is created and managed by Universal Law.
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal Law.
Karma is supreme; everyone gets a reward or punishment as per Karma.
Believe in Soul and its transformation. Every object has a soul.
Jainism also believes in Rebirth.
Jain's philosophy denies the efficacy of rituals.
Jain's philosophy believes in extremities of penance for liberation.
5. Which of the following statements is/apply to the Jain 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) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. d)
The following are important Jain doctrines;
Jainas; who follow the Jain. Jina means conqueror.
Jain philosophy rejects the Vedic principles and rituals
Jain's philosophy believes in the non-existence of God.
The world is created and managed by Universal Law.
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal Law.
Karma is supreme; everyone gets a reward or punishment as per Karma.
Believe in Soul and its transformation. Every object has a soul. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
Jainism also believes in Rebirth.
Jain's philosophy denies the efficacy of rituals.
Jain's philosophy believes in extremities of penance for liberation. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
6. Anekantavada is the core theory and philosophy of which one of the following- (UPSC)
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Sikhism
d) Vaishnavism
Answer. b) Jainism
Anekantavada and Syadvada:
Jainism believes in Anekantavada and Syadvada. Anekantavad means multidimensions of truth because each object has many qualities and properties. The method of language used for multidimensional truth is known as Syadvad.
Syadvad is the theory of maybe.
Syadvada recognizes that language and concepts are inherently limited and that all statements are valid only from a particular standpoint, in a particular context, and for a particular duration.
According to Syadvad, seven modes of prediction are possible, it is also known as Saptabhangi Nyayvada.
Absolute affirmation and absolute negation both are wrong.
7. With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthankavasi" sect belongs to
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Vaishnavism
d) Shaivism
Answer. b) Jainism ;
Major sub-sects of Swetambara are Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, and Murtipujaka. The Sthanakwasi sect is known for its emphasis on simplicity, meditation, and scriptural study.
8. "Souls are not only the in 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? (UPSC 2023)
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Shaivism
d) Vaishnavism
Answer. b) Jainism
The following are the main philosophy of Jainism;
Jainas; who follow the Jain. Jina means conqueror.
Jain philosophy rejects the Vedic principles and rituals
Jain's philosophy believes in the non-existence of God.
The world is created and managed by Universal Law.
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal Law.
Karma is supreme; everyone gets a reward or punishment as per Karma.
Believe in Soul and its transformation. Every object has a soul. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
Jainism also believes in Rebirth.
Jain's philosophy denies the efficacy of rituals.
Jain's philosophy believes in extremities of penance for liberation. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
9. Consider the following pairs : (UPSC 2023)
The site is Well known for
1. Besnagar: Shaivite cave shrine
2. Bhaja: Buddhist cave shrine
3. Sittanavasal: Jain cave shrine
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer. b) Only two
Besnagar is also known as Vidisha and it is in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for the Vishnu idol.
Bhaja caves are located in Pune, Maharashtra. This cave belongs to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Sittanavasal cave is located in the Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, it belonged to Jainism
10. With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: : (UPSC 2022)
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer. b) 2 and 4 only
11. With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs. Historical person: Known as : (UPSC 2022)
1. Aryadeva – Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga – Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni – Vaishnava scholar.
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
a) None of the pairs
b) Only one pair
c) Only two pairs
d) All three pairs
Answer. c) Only two pairs
Aryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk and Buddhist Philosophy.
Dignaga was a Buddhist scholar and he was the founder of Hetu Vidya( reason or logic knowledge).
Nathamuni was a Vaishnava scholar who was also known as Sri Ranganathamuni.
12. Concerning the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and Kshemeshvara were famous (UPSC 2021)
a) Jain monks
b) playwrights
c) temple architects
d) philosophers
Answer. b) playwrights ( a person who writes plays).
Hastimalla was a Jain poet and play writer.
13. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following? (UPSC 2009)
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Sikhism
d) Vaishnavism
Answer. b) Jainism
Anekavad is the core of Jainism philosophy. Jainism believes that one should analyze the many perspectives of the same things to know the whole truth.
14. Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for which of the following? (UPSC 2009)
a) Bahubali
b) Buddha
c) Mahavirji
d) Nataraja
Answer. a) Bahubali
Mahamastakabhisheka refers to the Abhisheka of the Jain idol Bahubali. Bahubali was the son of Rishavdeva ( first Jain Tirthankara). Other names of Bahubali are Gommateshwara and Kammateshwara.
15. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2003)
1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavio chief Chetaka.
2. Gautam Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Koshalan Dynasty
3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankra, belonged to Banaras.
Which one of the statements is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1,2 and 3
Answer. c) 2 and 3
16. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2004)
a) Jainism was spread in south India under the leadership of Sthlabahu
b) The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called achieved 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 worshiped images, unlike Buddhists.
Answer. c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga King Kharavela in the first century BC.
17. Where was the first Jain Council held?
a) Vaishali
b) Vallbhi
c) Shravanabelagola
d) Pataliputra
Answer. d) Pataliputra
18. Who was the president of the First Jain Council?
a) Sthulbhadra
b) Bhadrabahu
c) Bahubali
d) Devardhi Kshmasramana
Answer. a) Sthulbhadra
First Jainism Council;
Date. About 300 B.C.
Venue: Patliputra
President: Sthulbhadra ( main propounder of the Swetambher sect)
King; Chandragupta Maurya
19. Where was the second Jain Council held?
a) Vaishali
b) Vallbhi
c) Shravanabelagola
d) Pataliputra
Answer. b) Vallabhi
Second Jain Council president
Date: Around 512 C.E.
Venue: Vallabhi, Gujarat
President: Devardhi Kshmasramana
Major work; Final compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas
20. What is the symbol of Lord Rishabha or Adinath ( 1st Jain Tirthankarara)
a) Bull
b) Lotus
c) Snake
d) Lion
Answer. a) Bull
21. What is the symbol of Lord Parasnatha (23rd Jain Tirthankarara)
a) Elephant
b) Lotus
c) Snake
d) Lion
Answer. c) Snake
22. What is the symbol of Lord Mahavira (24th Jain Tirthankarara)
a) Elephant
b) Lotus
c) Snake
d) Lion
Answer. d) Lion
23. What is the symbol of Lord Ajitnath (2nd Jain Tirthankarara)
a) Elephant
b) Lotus
c) Snake
d) Lion
Answer. a) Elephant
24. What is the symbol of Lord Padmaprabha (6th Jain Tirthankarara)
a) Elephant
b) Lotus
c) Snake
d) Lion
Answer. b) Lotus
25. Which of the following place is the birthplace of the first ( Rishabhdeva or Adinatha), second ( Lord Ajitanath), and fourth Jain Tirthankaras ( Abhinandananatha)?
a) Pataliputra
b) Vallabhi
c) Ayodhya
d) Kundgram
Answer. c) Ayodhya is the birthplace of the first ( Rishabhdeva or Adinatha), second ( Lord Ajitanath), and fourth Jain Tirthankaras ( Abhinandananatha)
26. Which of the following principle was added to the five principles of Jain doctrine by the Lord Mahavira ( 24th Jain Tithankara)
a) Ahimsa
b) Satya
c) Aparigraha
d) Brahmacharya
Answer. d) Brahmacharya
Four ( Ahihma, Satya, Astey, and Aparigraha) were given by Parasnath ( the 23rd Tirthanker), and the fifth one( Brhampacharya) was later added by Mahavir Swami ( 24th Trithankar).
27. Who was the founder of Jainism?
a) Rishabhadeva or Adinath
b) Ajitanatha
c) Parashwanatha
d) Vardhman Mahavira
Answer. a) Rishabhadeva or Adinath ( 1st Tirthankara) was the founder of Jainism.
28. The last Tirthankara of Jainism was?
a) Rishabhadeva or Adinath
b) Ajitanatha
c) Parashwanatha
d) Vardhman Mahavira
Answer. d) Vardhman Mahavira ( 24th Tirthankara) was the last Tirthankara of Jainism.
29. Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism? ( Chhattisgarh PCS 2013)
a) Rishabhadeva or Adinath
b) Ajitanatha
c) Parashwanatha
d) Vardhman Mahavira
Answer. a) Rishabhadeva or Adinath ( 1st Tirthankara) was the founder of Jainism.
30. Where did Lord Mahavira attain salvation?
a) Patalipura
b) Kundalgram
c) Pavapuri
d) Mount Abu
Answer. c) Pavapuri ( 460 B.C.) is the salvation place of lord Mahavira.
31. The Originator of the Jain religion is ( UPPSC 2010)
a) Arya Sudharma
b) Mahavira Swami
c) Parashwanath
d) Rishabh Dev
Answer. d) Rishabh Dev is the originator of the Jain religion.
32. Parashvanatha, the Jain "Thirthankara" was associated mainly with which of the following places? (UPPSC Mains 2016)
a) Varanasi
b) Kaushambi
c) Giribraja
d) Champa
Answer. a) Varanasi
Lord Parashvanatha ( 23rd Jain Tithankara ) was born in Varanasi.
33. Where was Mahavira Swami ( 24th Thirthankara) born? (UPPSC BPSC)
a) Kundagram
b) Pataliputra
c) Magadha
d) Vaishali
Answer. a) Kundagram was the birthplace of Mahavira Swami ( 24th Thirthankara).
34. The word Tirthankara is related to ( UPPSC BPSC)
a) Buddhists
b) Christians
c) Hindus
d) Jains
Answer. d) Jains;
The word Tirthankara is related to Jains.
There were 24 Tirthankara in Jainism.
35. Prabhasgiri is a pilgrim spot of: ( UPPSC)
a) Buddhists
b) Jains
c) Saivites
d) Vaishnavites
Answer. b) Jains
Prabhasgiri is a pilgrim spot for Jains. It is the birthplace of the 6th Jain Tirthankara, Padmaprabha ( Lotus). It is located in Kaushambi.
36. In Jain Religion, which word is used for "Complete Intellect"?
a) Jin
b) Ratna
c) Kaivalya
d) Nirvana
Answer. c) Kaivalya
Jainism believes in the five types of knowledge namely-
Mati Jyan
Shruta Jyan
Avadhi Jyan
Mahaparayana Jyan
Keval Jyan ( Kaivalya)
Kaivalya is the highest Jyan ( Knowledge) which is also called Complete knowledge. This knowledge leads to the liberation of the soul.
37. The doctrine of three Jewels-Right faith, Right Action, and Right Knowledge is the crowning glory of (UPPSC)
a) Buddhism
b) Christianity
c) Jainism
d) None of these
Answer. c) Jainism
Three Ratna of Jainism are KFC; Knowledge, faith, and conduct ( action).
38. The correct of Anuvrata was advocated by? (UPSC)
a) Mahayana Buddhism
b) Hinayana Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) The Lokayata School
Answer. c) Jainism
39. Syadvad is a doctrine of-
a) Lokayatism
b) Saivism
c) Jainism
d) Vaishnavism
Answer. c) Jainism;
Anekantavada and Syadvada:
Jainism believes in Anekantavada and Syadvada. Anekantavad means multidimensions of truth because each object has many qualities and properties. The method of language used for multidimensional truth is known as Syadvad.
Syadvad is the theory of maybe.
Syadvada recognizes that language and concepts are inherently limited and that all statements are valid only from a particular standpoint, in a particular context, and for a particular duration.
According to Syadvad, seven modes of prediction are possible, it is also known as Saptabhangi Nyayvada.
Absolute affirmation and absolute negation both are wrong.
40. Vardhaman Mahavira died in which place?
a) Vaishali
b) Kushinagar
c) Kundalgram
d) Pawapuri
Answer. d) Pawapuri
Mahavira Jain took his last breath at Pawapuri near Rajgir in Bihar.
Mahavira Jain attain Moksha at the age of 72 in 468 B.C.
He was born in Kundalgram ( 540 B.C.) in Vaishali in Bihar.
41. Which refers to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to (UPSC 2018)
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Vaishnavism
d) Shaivism
Answer. b) Jainism
the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to Jainism.
Swetambara: It is most popular in northern India. Followers of Swetamber wear white clothes. Sthanakvasi is an important sect of Swetambara. Sthalbhadra was the main propounder of Swatamber. Sthanakvasi sect does not belives that idol worship is essential in the path of soul purification or attainment to Moksha( Nirvana).
42. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
a) Universal Law
b) Universal truth
c) Universal Faith
d) Universal Soul
Answer. a) Universal Law
43. Which of the following religions does not trust in the concept of "Final annihilation of the world"? (UPPSC)
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Islam
Answer. b) Jainism
44. The basic point of Jainism is -
a) Act
b) Loyalty
c) Non-Violence
d) Disfavour
Answer. c) Non-Violence
45. Yapaniya was the sect of ?
a) Buddhist
b) Jainism
c) Shaivists
d) Vaishmavists
Answer. b) Jainism;
Major sub-sects of Digambara are Terapantha, Taranpantha, Samaiyapantha, Bisapantha, Yapaniya, and Mula Sangh,
46. Which of the following is the earliest holy book of Jain?
a) Twelve Angas
b) Twelve Upangas
c) Fourteen Purvas
d) Fourteen Uppurva
Answer. c) Fourteen Purvas
47. In which one of the following languages was the earliest Jain literature compiled?
a) Ardh-Magadhi
b) Paali
c) Prakrit
d) Sanskrit
Answer. a) Ardh-Magadhi
48. Who was the propounded of the Swetambara Sect of Jainism?
a) Sthulbhadra
b) Bhadrabahu
c) Mallichand
d) Hemchanda
Answer. a) Sthulbhadra was the main propounder of the Swetambara sect of Jainism while Bhadrabahu was the propounder of the Digambara sect.
49. Which of the following Jainism text was written by Bhadrabahu?
a) Syadvad Manjari
b) Parishisht Parvan
c) Kalpsutra
d) Nyaytavar
Answer. c) Kalpsutra
Kalpsutra Jain text ( Sanskrit) written by Bhadrabahu. Kalpsutra is the autobiography of Jain Tirthanker.
Parishisht Parvan was written by Hemanchand
Syadvad Manjari Jaina's text was written by Mallisen.
Nyaytavar Jaina's text was written by Sidhsen Diwakar.
50. Who is the author of "Parishisht Parvan"?
a) Bhadrabahu
b) Hemanchand
c) Mallisen
d) Sidhsen Diwakar
Answer. c) Kalpsutra
Kalpsutra Jain text ( Sanskrit) written by Bhadrabahu. Kalpsutra is the autobiography of Jain Tirthanker.
Parishisht Parvan was written by Hemanchand
Syadvad Manjari Jaina's text was written by Mallisen.
Nyaytavar Jaina's text was written by Sidhsen Diwakar.
51.