Sects of Jainism MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Sects of Jainism - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• Mahavira, like other heterodox thinkers of his time, rejected Vedic authority and the ritualistic Brahmanical tradition.
• Jainism does indeed believe in the concept of transmigration of the soul (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) until liberation (moksha) is achieved.
• The first Jain council was held at Pataliputra (3rd century BCE) under Sthulabhadra's leadership, resulting in the compilation of the 12 Angas.
• Aparigraha (non-possession) is one of the three jewels (Triratna) of Jainism, along with right faith and right knowledge.

Additional Information

• Jainism emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) as the key ethical principles.
• Historical Significance: 
  • Second Jain council at Vallabhi (5th century CE)
  • Division into Digambara and Svetambara sects

The correct answer is Jainism.

Key Points

• The Terapanthi sect of Rajasthan is a prominent branch of Jainism, primarily associated with the Svetambara tradition.
• It was founded in 1760 CE by Acharya Bhikshu, who emphasized strict adherence to Jain principles and practices.
• The Terapanthi sect is renowned for its disciplined organizational structure, which is led by a single Acharya (spiritual leader).
• Terapanthis follow the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and strict ethical conduct as per Jain teachings.
• The sect is particularly known for its simplified rituals and a focus on meditation and self-discipline.

Additional Information

• Jainism is an ancient Indian religion founded by the 24 Tirthankaras, with Lord Mahavira as the last Tirthankara (599–527 BCE).
• The religion is divided into two main sects: Svetambara (white-clad) and Digambara (sky-clad), with Terapanthi being a sub-sect of the Svetambara tradition.
• Ahimsa (non-violence) is the core principle of Jainism, influencing various aspects of life, including diet and behavior.
• Jains follow rigorous practices, including fasting, meditation, and self-restraint, to achieve liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Jain community contributes significantly to Indian culture, philosophy, and ethics, emphasizing environmental sustainability and compassion.

The correct answer is All three.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Digambaras claim Mahavira never married and was celibate from birth, whereas Svetambaras hold that he had a wife and daughter before renunciation.
• Statement 2 is correct: Digambaras do not accept the authenticity of the Svetambara Agamas (canonical texts) compiled at Vallabhi, as they believe original teachings were lost.
• Statement 3 is correct: Digambara monks practice nudity as a symbol of total renunciation, while Svetambaras wear white garments and follow a less austere code of conduct.

Additional Information

• The sectarian split likely occurred around the 3rd century BCE, possibly accelerated by a famine that caused migration and loss of oral texts.
• This division also led to differing views on women’s eligibility for liberation and monastic participation.

The correct answer is Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

Key Points

• Statement I is correct: Anekantavada (doctrine of non-absolutism) suggests that reality is complex and cannot be fully explained from a single viewpoint. Hence, multiple perspectives must be considered.
• Statement II is incorrect: Syadvada is not about absolute affirmation or denial but conditional predication — “in some respect it is, in some it is not” — using the word "syat" (maybe or from a certain standpoint).

Additional Information

• Syadvada allows for seven-fold predication (Saptabhangi), including affirmation, negation, both, and their combinations to express nuanced understanding.
• Together, Anekantavada and Syadvada make Jain logic one of the most advanced systems of pluralism in ancient philosophy.

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Jain metaphysics classifies existence into Jiva (living beings) and Ajiva (non-living entities). Karma is a form of subtle matter and thus belongs to Ajiva, not Jiva — hence this statement is factually flawed and marked incorrect if read strictly.
• Statement 2 is correct: Interaction of the soul (Jiva) with matter (Pudgala) results in karmic bondage, which leads to the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: In Jain philosophy, Dharma and Adharma are not ethical concepts but metaphysical substances. Dharma is the medium that allows motion, and Adharma is the medium that allows rest.

Additional Information

• The six substances (Dravyas) in Jain metaphysics are: Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
• Karma is not merely a metaphysical or psychological concept; it is believed to be a subtle material substance that sticks to the soul due to passions and actions.

The correct answer is Jainism.

Key Points

• The Terapanthi sect of Rajasthan is a prominent branch of Jainism, primarily associated with the Svetambara tradition.
• It was founded in 1760 CE by Acharya Bhikshu, who emphasized strict adherence to Jain principles and practices.
• The Terapanthi sect is renowned for its disciplined organizational structure, which is led by a single Acharya (spiritual leader).
• Terapanthis follow the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and strict ethical conduct as per Jain teachings.
• The sect is particularly known for its simplified rituals and a focus on meditation and self-discipline.

Additional Information

• Jainism is an ancient Indian religion founded by the 24 Tirthankaras, with Lord Mahavira as the last Tirthankara (599–527 BCE).
• The religion is divided into two main sects: Svetambara (white-clad) and Digambara (sky-clad), with Terapanthi being a sub-sect of the Svetambara tradition.
• Ahimsa (non-violence) is the core principle of Jainism, influencing various aspects of life, including diet and behavior.
• Jains follow rigorous practices, including fasting, meditation, and self-restraint, to achieve liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Jain community contributes significantly to Indian culture, philosophy, and ethics, emphasizing environmental sustainability and compassion.

The correct answer is Terapanthi Svetambara and Taranapanthi Digambara.

Key Points

• Terapanthi Svetambara: A reformist sub-sect of Svetambaras that strictly rejects idol worship and focuses on ethical living and scriptural purity.
• Taranapanthi (Samaiya) Digambara: Emerged in the 16th century in Central India, honors Digambara texts but avoids idol worship and rituals involving images.
• Both sects emphasize internal spiritual discipline and scriptural study over temple rituals.

Additional Information

• The Murtipujaka Svetambaras are the only major group that practices idol worship actively, while Sthanakavasis and Terapanthis oppose it.
• This difference reflects broader debates within Jainism on the value of symbolism, rituals, and ascetic purity.

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Jain metaphysics classifies existence into Jiva (living beings) and Ajiva (non-living entities). Karma is a form of subtle matter and thus belongs to Ajiva, not Jiva — hence this statement is factually flawed and marked incorrect if read strictly.
• Statement 2 is correct: Interaction of the soul (Jiva) with matter (Pudgala) results in karmic bondage, which leads to the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: In Jain philosophy, Dharma and Adharma are not ethical concepts but metaphysical substances. Dharma is the medium that allows motion, and Adharma is the medium that allows rest.

Additional Information

• The six substances (Dravyas) in Jain metaphysics are: Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
• Karma is not merely a metaphysical or psychological concept; it is believed to be a subtle material substance that sticks to the soul due to passions and actions.

The correct answer is All three.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Digambaras claim Mahavira never married and was celibate from birth, whereas Svetambaras hold that he had a wife and daughter before renunciation.
• Statement 2 is correct: Digambaras do not accept the authenticity of the Svetambara Agamas (canonical texts) compiled at Vallabhi, as they believe original teachings were lost.
• Statement 3 is correct: Digambara monks practice nudity as a symbol of total renunciation, while Svetambaras wear white garments and follow a less austere code of conduct.

Additional Information

• The sectarian split likely occurred around the 3rd century BCE, possibly accelerated by a famine that caused migration and loss of oral texts.
• This division also led to differing views on women’s eligibility for liberation and monastic participation.

The correct answer is Only two.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Digambara monks practice complete nudity as a form of renunciation and believe women cannot attain liberation unless reborn as men.
• Statement 2 is correct: Svetambaras wear white robes and accept women into their monastic order. They affirm that women are capable of attaining moksha.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: While Digambaras follow all five vows including strict Brahmacharya, Svetambaras allow some concessions, particularly around Brahmacharya.

Additional Information

• The division between Digambara and Svetambara occurred after a 12-year famine when Bhadrabahu led a migration to the south, leading to differences in lifestyle and doctrine.
• Major sub-sects of Digambara include Mula Sangh and Terapantha, while those of Svetambara include Murtipujaka and Sthanakvasi.

The correct answer is Jainism.

Key Points

• The Terapanthi sect of Rajasthan is a prominent branch of Jainism, primarily associated with the Svetambara tradition.
• It was founded in 1760 CE by Acharya Bhikshu, who emphasized strict adherence to Jain principles and practices.
• The Terapanthi sect is renowned for its disciplined organizational structure, which is led by a single Acharya (spiritual leader).
• Terapanthis follow the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and strict ethical conduct as per Jain teachings.
• The sect is particularly known for its simplified rituals and a focus on meditation and self-discipline.

Additional Information

• Jainism is an ancient Indian religion founded by the 24 Tirthankaras, with Lord Mahavira as the last Tirthankara (599–527 BCE).
• The religion is divided into two main sects: Svetambara (white-clad) and Digambara (sky-clad), with Terapanthi being a sub-sect of the Svetambara tradition.
• Ahimsa (non-violence) is the core principle of Jainism, influencing various aspects of life, including diet and behavior.
• Jains follow rigorous practices, including fasting, meditation, and self-restraint, to achieve liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Jain community contributes significantly to Indian culture, philosophy, and ethics, emphasizing environmental sustainability and compassion.

The correct answer is Only two.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Digambara monks follow rigid rules — they eat only once daily while standing, using cupped hands, and only at one house where their premeditated intention (Sankalpa) is met.
• Statement 2 is correct: Svetambara monks wear white robes and can collect food from several houses, which is then consumed at their residence.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Digambara monks are allowed only 2 possessions (a peacock-feather broom and water-pot), whereas Svetambara monks may have up to 14 possessions including clothes and begging bowls.

Additional Information

• These strict codes of ascetic conduct symbolize each sect’s interpretation of non-attachment and self-discipline.
• The divergent practices are rooted in geography, culture, and doctrinal evolution after Mahavira’s nirvana.

The correct answer is Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

Key Points

• Statement I is incorrect: The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra in the 3rd century BCE, but it was presided over by Sthulabhadra (not Sthulabhahu as often misquoted in some texts).
• Statement II is correct: The Second Jain Council took place in 512 CE at Vallabhi (Gujarat) under the leadership of Devardhigani. The 12 Angas of Jain canonical texts were formally compiled during this council.

Additional Information

• These councils played a crucial role in preserving Jain teachings and scriptures.
• The Angas are written in Ardha-Magadhi, and serve as Jain canonical texts for the Svetambara sect.
• Digambaras do not recognize the 12 Angas compiled at Vallabhi as authoritative.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: Anekantavada, the doctrine of non-absolutism, teaches that reality is multifaceted and should be understood through multiple perspectives. It promotes tolerance and coexistence.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Syadvada literally means “maybe” or “in some respect” and suggests that all judgments are conditional. It does not assert certainty, but rather relativity in truth depending on context.
• Statement 3 is correct: Jainism advocates liberation through the Triratna — Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).

Additional Information

• Anekantavada and Syadvada are two of the most unique and intellectually significant contributions of Jainism.
• These doctrines were developed to avoid rigid dogma and encourage open dialogue, making Jainism one of the earliest pluralistic traditions in India.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• Mahavira, like other heterodox thinkers of his time, rejected Vedic authority and the ritualistic Brahmanical tradition.
• Jainism does indeed believe in the concept of transmigration of the soul (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) until liberation (moksha) is achieved.
• The first Jain council was held at Pataliputra (3rd century BCE) under Sthulabhadra's leadership, resulting in the compilation of the 12 Angas.
• Aparigraha (non-possession) is one of the three jewels (Triratna) of Jainism, along with right faith and right knowledge.

Additional Information

• Jainism emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) as the key ethical principles.
• Historical Significance: 
  • Second Jain council at Vallabhi (5th century CE)
  • Division into Digambara and Svetambara sects