Q21. The historical schism dividing Jainism into the Digambara and Shvetambara sects was primarily triggered by which event?
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.
Showing 21–30 of 80 questions
Q22. Identify the correct statement regarding the differences between the Digambara and Shvetambara sects of Jainism.
Explanation
A significant point of departure between the two Jain sects concerns the gender of the nineteenth Tirthankara, Mallinatha. The Shvetambara sect maintains that Mallinatha was a woman, whereas the Digambaras believe that all Tirthankaras were male. Furthermore, Digambaras hold that women must be reborn as men to achieve liberation, while Shvetambaras believe women can attain Kaivalya in their current female form.
Q23. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Jain Sub-sects | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|
| A. Sthanakvasi | i. Shvetambara sub-sect that totally rejects idol worship |
| B. Terapanthi | ii. Shvetambara sub-sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu in Rajasthan |
| C. Bisapanthi | iii. Digambara sub-sect that worships idols with offerings of flowers and sweets |
| D. Taranpanthi | iv. Digambara sub-sect that worships sacred texts rather than idols |
Explanation
Jainism features several sub-sects within its two main divisions. The Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi are Shvetambara groups, with the former rejecting idol worship and the latter following Acharya Bhikshu. Among Digambaras, the Bisapanthi worship idols with offerings, while the Taranpanthi prioritize the veneration of sacred texts. These variations reflect different interpretations of ritual practice and the appropriate focus of devotional worship.
Q24. What was the direct effect of the First Jain Council held at Pataliputra under the leadership of Sthulabhadra?
Explanation
The First Jain Council held at Pataliputra was a pivotal event aimed at codifying the sacred teachings. Under Sthulabhadra’s leadership, the monks compiled the twelve Angas. However, the southern monks who had migrated during the famine rejected these versions upon their return, claiming the original teachings were lost. This disagreement solidified the sectarian split between the Shvetambaras and the Digambaras.
Q25. Consider the following statements regarding the beliefs of the Digambara sect:
I. They believe that Vardhamana Mahavira never married.
II. They maintain that a Kevalin (omniscient being) requires no food to sustain their body.
III. They accepted the textual canons compiled at the First Jain Council as absolute truth.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. They believe that Vardhamana Mahavira never married.
II. They maintain that a Kevalin (omniscient being) requires no food to sustain their body.
III. They accepted the textual canons compiled at the First Jain Council as absolute truth.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Digambara sect is characterized by several distinct beliefs, including the assertion that Mahavira remained a lifelong bachelor and that omniscient beings do not require food. Crucially, they do not accept the authenticity of the canonical texts compiled during the First Jain Council at Pataliputra. They maintain that the original teachings of Mahavira were lost over time due to various historical disruptions.
Q26. The Hathigumpha inscription, which stands as a major epigraphical source for the royal patronage of Jainism in ancient India, is associated with which ruler?
Explanation
The Hathigumpha inscription is a major historical record located in the Udayagiri caves of Odisha. It details the military conquests and religious activities of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. The inscription provides clear evidence of royal patronage for Jainism, mentioning the recovery of a Jina idol previously taken by the Nanda kings and the King’s personal devotion to Jain monks.
Q27. The renowned Dilwara temples at Mount Abu, a major pilgrimage site for Jains in Rajasthan, were constructed during the paramountcy of which dynasty?
Explanation
The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu are world-renowned for their exquisite marble carvings and architectural splendor. These Jain shrines were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD under the patronage of the Chalukya or Solanki rulers of Gujarat. Ministers like Vimal Shah and Vastupala played key roles in commissioning these magnificent structures, which remain important pilgrimage sites for the Jain community today.
Q28. Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of early royal patrons of Jainism?
Explanation
Jainism enjoyed support from various Indian rulers across different centuries. Bimbisara of the Haryanka dynasty was a contemporary of Mahavira. Later, Chandragupta Maurya famously abdicated his throne to become a Jain monk. King Kharavela of Kalinga promoted the faith in the 1st century BC, and Kumarapala of the Chalukya dynasty became a major patron in the medieval period under Hemachandra’s influence.
Q29. Which ruler of the Haryanka dynasty, known for building the city of Pataliputra, is strongly recognized in Jain texts as a devout patron of Jainism?
Explanation
Udayin, the successor of Ajatashatru in the Haryanka dynasty, is frequently mentioned in Jain chronicles as a devoted follower of the faith. He is credited with shifting the capital to Pataliputra and constructing a dedicated Jain temple at the center of the new city. His reign represents a period where Jainism received significant political support within the expanding Magadhan empire.
Q30. Consider the following statements regarding the spread and patronage of Jainism:
I. Mathura became a prominent center for Jain art and culture during the Kushana period.
II. Chandragupta Maurya traveled to Shravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu and performed Sallekhana.
III. The Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha authored the Jain text Kavirajamarga.
IV. Jainism spread heavily to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, completely displacing Buddhism there by the 5th century AD.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Mathura became a prominent center for Jain art and culture during the Kushana period.
II. Chandragupta Maurya traveled to Shravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu and performed Sallekhana.
III. The Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha authored the Jain text Kavirajamarga.
IV. Jainism spread heavily to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, completely displacing Buddhism there by the 5th century AD.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Jainism had a significant impact on Indian culture, with Mathura serving as a major artistic center and various kings like Amoghavarsha contributing to its literature. However, unlike Buddhism, Jainism never became a dominant religion in Sri Lanka or Southeast Asia. It remained largely confined to the Indian subcontinent, maintaining a strong presence in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Central India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) A severe twelve-year famine in Magadha prompting a mass migration to the south |
| 22 | (b) Shvetambaras assert that the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinatha, was a female. |
| 23 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 24 | (a) The compilation of the 12 Angas, which the returning southern monks subsequently rejected. |
| 25 | (c) III only |
| 26 | (a) Kharavela of Kalinga |
| 27 | (d) The Chalukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat |
| 28 | (a) Bimbisara, Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela, Kumarapala |
| 29 | (c) Udayin |
| 30 | (c) IV only |
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.