Q1. Which of the following factors primarily contributed to the emergence of heterodox religious movements in the 6th century BC?
Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC: RAS Prelims MCQs
80 RAS Prelims MCQs on the religious movements of the 6th century BC deal with Buddhism, Jainism and the Ajivikas. Mahavira’s life and doctrines, the Jain schism, royal patrons, the Buddha’s early life, the Four Noble Truths and the Dilwara temples are asked as facts, statements and sequences, and each explanation names the person, place and doctrine.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. The philosophical and religious revolt against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas in the 6th century BC was primarily led by which Varna?
Explanation
The philosophical revolt against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas was largely initiated by the Kshatriya varna. Both Gautama Buddha and Vardhamana Mahavira were Kshatriya princes who challenged the hereditary supremacy and ritualistic claims of the priestly class. This movement sought to establish a more egalitarian social structure and questioned the validity of elaborate Vedic ceremonies.
Q3. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the options given below:
Assertion (A): The 6th century BC witnessed the emergence of numerous heterodox sects in the Gangetic valley.
Reason (R): The expansion of the agrarian economy and trade required a break from rigid Vedic animal sacrifices that depleted essential cattle wealth.
Assertion (A): The 6th century BC witnessed the emergence of numerous heterodox sects in the Gangetic valley.
Reason (R): The expansion of the agrarian economy and trade required a break from rigid Vedic animal sacrifices that depleted essential cattle wealth.
Explanation
The emergence of heterodox sects in the Gangetic valley was closely linked to economic transformations. The expansion of agriculture required a steady supply of cattle for plowing, which conflicted with the frequent ritualistic animal sacrifices mandated by Vedic traditions. Consequently, new religions like Buddhism and Jainism gained popularity by emphasizing non-violence and protecting the livestock essential for trade.
Q4. Which of the following statements incorrectly describes the historical context of the 6th century BC?
Explanation
The 6th century BC was characterized by the Second Urbanization, marked by the growth of major cities and stable monarchies. Agricultural surplus, facilitated by the widespread use of iron tools, led to the development of trade and coinage. Therefore, describing this period as a time of urban decline or a return to rural tribal settlements is historically inaccurate.
Q5. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Jain Terminology | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Jina | i. Ford-maker or guide across the river of worldly existence |
| B. Nirgrantha | ii. Free from all bonds and fetters |
| C. Tirthankara | iii. Conqueror of senses and desires |
| D. Kevalin | iv. Possessor of supreme knowledge |
Explanation
Jainism employs specific terms to describe spiritual milestones and attributes. A Jina is a conqueror of senses, while a Nirgrantha is one free from all worldly bonds. Tirthankaras act as guides across the river of existence, and Kevalin refers to those who have achieved supreme knowledge. These terms collectively define the path toward spiritual liberation and ultimate enlightenment.
Q6. Vardhamana Mahavira belonged to which of the following prominent Kshatriya clans?
Explanation
Vardhamana Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, was born into the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan. This clan was part of the Vajji confederacy, centered around the region of Vaishali. His high social status as a prince gave him access to various philosophical teachings, yet he eventually renounced his royal life to seek spiritual truth through intense penance and meditation.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the life of Vardhamana Mahavira:
I. He was born in Kundagrama near Vaishali.
II. He belonged to the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan.
III. He attained Nirvana at Kushinagar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He was born in Kundagrama near Vaishali.
II. He belonged to the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan.
III. He attained Nirvana at Kushinagar.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Vardhamana Mahavira was born in Kundagrama, near Vaishali, and belonged to the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan. While these two facts are historically accurate, he did not pass away at Kushinagar. Instead, Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pava, while Gautama Buddha is the one traditionally associated with passing away at Kushinagar. This distinction is crucial for understanding early religious history.
Q8. Identify the correctly matched pair of the Jain Tirthankara and their recognized symbol.
Explanation
Each of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras is associated with a specific symbolic emblem. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, is traditionally represented by the serpent. Other prominent symbols include the bull for Rishabhanatha, the lion for Mahavira, and the elephant for Ajitanatha. These symbols assist devotees in identifying and venerating the different spiritual leaders within the Jain iconographic tradition.
Q9. Who among the following was the first disciple of Vardhamana Mahavira, who later rebelled against him?
Explanation
Jamali was the son-in-law of Vardhamana Mahavira and is recognized as his first disciple. Despite his early commitment, Jamali later led the first schism within the Jain community due to doctrinal differences regarding the completion of an action. This rebellion highlights the early philosophical debates and internal divisions that occurred even during the lifetime of the final Tirthankara.
Q10. Consider the following events from the life of Vardhamana Mahavira:
I. Attainment of Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama
II. Birth at Kundagrama
III. Passing away at Pava
IV. Renunciation of worldly life at the age of thirty
Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the events mentioned above?
I. Attainment of Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama
II. Birth at Kundagrama
III. Passing away at Pava
IV. Renunciation of worldly life at the age of thirty
Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the events mentioned above?
Explanation
The life of Vardhamana Mahavira follows a clear chronological progression starting with his birth at Kundagrama. He subsequently renounced worldly life at the age of thirty to live as an ascetic. After twelve years of rigorous penance, he attained supreme knowledge or Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama. Finally, he passed away and attained Nirvana at the town of Pava.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) The rigidification of the Varna system and the economic burden of Vedic animal sacrifices |
| 2 | (a) Kshatriyas |
| 3 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 4 | (d) The period saw the decline of urban centers and a return to rural tribal settlements. |
| 5 | (a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
| 6 | (b) Jnatrika clan |
| 7 | (a) I and II only |
| 8 | (a) Parshvanatha - Serpent |
| 9 | (c) Jamali |
| 10 | (a) II, IV, I, III |
Key facts from Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC
- Vardhamana Mahavira belonged to the Jnatrika clan; Jamali was his first disciple, who later rebelled.
- Anekantavada is the Jain doctrine of the manifold nature of reality; Mahavira added the vow of Brahmacharya to the earlier vows.
- A severe twelve-year famine in Magadha is traditionally linked with the split into Digambara and Shvetambara.
- The Hathigumpha inscription records the royal patronage of Jainism by Kharavela of Kalinga.
- Siddhartha studied under Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta; his horse was Kanthaka and his charioteer Channa.
- The Second Noble Truth, Samudaya, identifies craving (Trishna) as the cause of suffering.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC?
This page has 80 practice MCQs on Religious Movements of the 6th Century BC (Ancient Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who was the first disciple of Mahavira who later rebelled against him?
Jamali, who was also Mahavira’s son-in-law according to tradition. His rebellion is the first of the Jain schisms recorded in the texts, and it is a common question on Mahavira’s early disciples.
What does the Second Noble Truth say?
The Second Noble Truth, Samudaya, says that suffering has a cause and that the cause is Trishna, craving or desire. The Buddha taught that ending craving ends suffering, which leads to the Third and Fourth Noble Truths.
Which inscription records royal patronage of Jainism by Kharavela?
The Hathigumpha inscription, in Odisha. It is the main epigraphic source on Kharavela of Kalinga and his support for Jainism, and it is the usual answer when a question asks for evidence of ancient Jain royal patronage.