Which of the following statements about Jainism is/are correct? 1. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated, even stones, rocks and water have life. 2. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Both 1 and 2. Jainism holds that all of nature has life, and it teaches that a soul escapes karma only through strict self-discipline.
The central belief of Jainism is that the whole world is alive: not only humans, animals and plants but even stones, rocks and water have life. This is why non-injury (ahimsa) to every living being, even insects, is its first rule, and why monks sweep the path before them. Jainism also teaches that the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped by karma, and that freeing the soul from it needs renunciation, fasting, asceticism and penance. That is why monks and nuns take the five great vows, and why Mahavira himself lived as a wandering ascetic for twelve years before gaining kevala jnana.
A is wrong because statement 2 is also correct. B is wrong because statement 1 is also correct. D is wrong because both statements state core Jain teachings.
Exam tip: Jainism: everything has life, so ahimsa; liberation by asceticism and penance; five vows, and Mahavira was the 24th tirthankara.
Practice Questions
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- B.He was a critic of Gandhian struggle
- C.He led an armed uprising against the British in the 1870s
- D.He was a radical leader of the Indian National Congress
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Phadke raised an armed band in Maharashtra in 1879 to overthrow British rule. Vasudeo Balwant Phadke was a clerk in the Military Finance Department at Pune.
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- B.Akbar issues instructions to his officers to follow the policy of religious toleration
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- D.Grants were issued for the repair of a number of temples in the reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, after they had been destroyed during war
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Read the full explanation →Why did the early nationalists oppose the Council Act of 1892?
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3. The ideal of sulh-i kul was implemented through state policies
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- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1,2 and 3
- C.3 only
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1. Its aim was to reform the Hindu society
2. It was based in Maharashtra
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4. It had greatly influenced the Brahmo Samaj
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1,2 and 3
- D.1 and 4
Show answer
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