Q11. The Jain philosophical doctrine of ‘Anekantavada’ primarily deals with which of the following concepts?
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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Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the Jain doctrine of Syadvada:
I. It is also known as the Saptabhangi Naya or the theory of sevenfold prediction.
II. It is the epistemological counterpart to the ontological theory of Anekantavada.
III. It asserts that absolute truth can be easily completely described in simple affirmations.
IV. It uses the prefix ‘Syat’ to indicate the conditional nature of human knowledge.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is also known as the Saptabhangi Naya or the theory of sevenfold prediction.
II. It is the epistemological counterpart to the ontological theory of Anekantavada.
III. It asserts that absolute truth can be easily completely described in simple affirmations.
IV. It uses the prefix ‘Syat’ to indicate the conditional nature of human knowledge.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Syadvada is the epistemological theory in Jainism which asserts that all knowledge is conditional and relative. It is often referred to as the theory of sevenfold prediction or Saptabhangi Naya. By using the prefix Syat practitioners acknowledge that assertions are only true from certain perspectives. This prevents dogmatism by denying that absolute truth can be expressed through simple, unconditional affirmations.
Q13. In Jain epistemology, ‘Nishchayavada’ refers to which of the following perspectives?
Explanation
In Jain epistemology, Nishchayavada represents the certain or absolute point of view regarding reality. It focuses on the pure nature of the soul and the ultimate truth, transcending everyday empirical experiences. This perspective is contrasted with Vyavaharavada, which deals with practical, relative, and worldly viewpoints. Together, these dual perspectives allow for a comprehensive understanding of both mundane and spiritual existence.
Q14. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Jain Concepts | Definitions |
|---|---|
| A. Jiva | i. The influx of karmic matter into the soul |
| B. Ajiva | ii. The stoppage of the influx of karmic matter |
| C. Asrava | iii. The conscious, living entity or soul |
| D. Samvara | iv. The non-living, material aspects of the universe |
Explanation
Jain philosophy classifies the universe into conscious Jiva and non-conscious Ajiva entities. The process of spiritual bondage begins with Asrava, the influx of karmic matter into the soul. Liberation is initiated through Samvara, which is the deliberate stoppage of this influx. Understanding these dynamics is essential for practitioners seeking to purify the soul and eventually achieve permanent freedom from rebirth.
Q15. If a philosopher argues that an object can be described as both existing and not existing depending purely on the perspective of the observer, which specific Jain doctrine are they demonstrating?
Explanation
The philosophical stance that an object possesses multiple modes of existence depending on the observer’s perspective is the hallmark of Syadvada. This doctrine of maybe-ism or conditional predication allows for seemingly contradictory statements to coexist. It provides a logical framework for understanding how different individuals can perceive the same reality in diverse ways based on their unique frames of reference.
Q16. Among the Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows) of Jainism, which vow was exclusively added by Vardhamana Mahavira to the four vows propagated by Parshvanatha?
Explanation
The foundational ethical code of Jainism originally consisted of four vows propagated by the Tirthankara Parshvanatha. These included non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession. Vardhamana Mahavira later added the fifth vow, Brahmacharya or celibacy, to complete the Pancha Mahavrata. This addition emphasized the importance of self-control and the total renunciation of sensual pleasures for those seeking the highest spiritual path.
Q17. Consider the following statements regarding Jain ethical practices:
I. The Mahavratas are rigorous vows meant strictly for Jain monks and nuns.
II. The Anuvratas are less severe vows intended for Jain laypersons.
III. Sallekhana is the permitted ritual fasting to death when death is naturally imminent.
IV. Asteya translates to the principle of non-possession or non-attachment.
V. Ahimsa requires avoiding harm to all forms of life, including stationary beings (Sthavara).
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Mahavratas are rigorous vows meant strictly for Jain monks and nuns.
II. The Anuvratas are less severe vows intended for Jain laypersons.
III. Sallekhana is the permitted ritual fasting to death when death is naturally imminent.
IV. Asteya translates to the principle of non-possession or non-attachment.
V. Ahimsa requires avoiding harm to all forms of life, including stationary beings (Sthavara).
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Jain ethics distinguish between Mahavratas for monks and Anuvratas for laypersons. The principle of Ahimsa is comprehensive, extending protection even to stationary beings. Additionally, Sallekhana is recognized as a ritual fasting to death under specific conditions. However, the term Asteya specifically refers to non-stealing, while non-possession is known as Aparigraha, making the claim that Asteya means non-possession incorrect.
Q18. Which of the following provides the most appropriate explanation for why orthodox Jainism traditionally discouraged its followers from engaging in agriculture?
Explanation
The strict adherence to Ahimsa, or non-violence, led Jainism to traditionally discourage its followers from practicing agriculture. This is because farming activities like tilling the soil and using pesticides inevitably result in the injury or death of numerous small insects and microorganisms. As a result, many Jains turned toward trade and commerce, which were viewed as professions involving less direct harm.
Q19. Find the odd one out among the following concepts, which does not belong to the Triratna (Three Jewels) of Jainism.
Explanation
The Triratna, or Three Jewels of Jainism, consist of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Action. These three elements are considered the essential path to liberation. While Right Mindfulness is a central component of the Buddhist Eightfold Path, it is not formally listed as one of the three foundational jewels in Jain doctrine. Distinguishing between these two systems is vital.
Q20. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer using the options given below:
Assertion (A): Jain monks traditionally tie a small piece of cloth over their mouths and carefully sweep the ground before them as they walk.
Reason (R): The core Jain ethical principle of Ahimsa strictly prohibits violence against even the microscopic forms of Jiva present in the air and on the ground.
Assertion (A): Jain monks traditionally tie a small piece of cloth over their mouths and carefully sweep the ground before them as they walk.
Reason (R): The core Jain ethical principle of Ahimsa strictly prohibits violence against even the microscopic forms of Jiva present in the air and on the ground.
Explanation
Jain monks practice extreme measures to avoid harming any living beings, reflecting the core doctrine of Ahimsa. Tying a cloth over the mouth prevents the accidental inhalation of microscopic organisms, while sweeping the path ahead ensures no small creatures are stepped upon. These physical practices are direct applications of the philosophical belief that all forms of life possess a sentient soul.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) The manifold and complex nature of reality |
| 12 | (b) I, II and IV only |
| 13 | (c) The absolute, transcendental, and ultimate viewpoint of reality |
| 14 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 15 | (a) Syadvada |
| 16 | (b) Brahmacharya (Celibacy) |
| 17 | (a) I, II, III and V only |
| 18 | (a) Farming involves the unavoidable killing of insects and microscopic organisms, violating Ahimsa. |
| 19 | (c) Right Mindfulness (Samyak Smriti) |
| 20 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
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.