With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
- A.Buddhism
- B.Jainism
- C.Vaishnavism
- D.Shaivism
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, Jainism. Sthanakvasi is a sub-sect of the Svetambara branch of Jainism that rejects idol worship. Jainism split early into two main branches, Digambara and Svetambara. Within the Svetambaras, a reform movement begun by Lonka Shah in Gujarat in the 15th century questioned image worship, and from it grew the Sthanakvasi sect in the 17th century. Its followers do not worship idols in temples; they gather for prayer and sermons in simple halls called sthanakas, which gives the sect its name. Their monks and nuns wear a white cloth over the mouth (muhapatti) to avoid harming tiny living beings. The Terapanthi sect later grew out of the Sthanakvasis. Option A is wrong because Buddhist schools are named Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Option C is wrong because Vaishnava traditions include the Sri Vaishnava and Gaudiya sampradayas, which worship Vishnu in images. Option D is wrong because Shaiva sects such as the Lingayats and Pashupatas worship Shiva. Exam tip: Svetambara sub-sects are Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi; the last two reject idol worship.
Practice Questions
View allEarly Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?
- A.Empty Seat and Stupa only
- B.Wheel and Tree only
- C.Wheel, Tree and Stupa only
- D.Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa
Show answer
In the early sculpture at sites such as Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati, the Buddha was not carved as a man; his presence was suggested through symbols, each tied to an event of his life.
Read the full explanation →The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Somnath is a Jyotirlinga and Al-Biruni described it, but the present temple was consecrated by President Rajendra Prasad, not S. Radhakrishnan.
Read the full explanation →The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja ?
- A.The best means of salvation was devotion.
- B.Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
- C.Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- D.Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Show answer
Ramanuja taught that loving devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and complete surrender (prapatti) are the surest path to liberation.
Read the full explanation →Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated ?
- A.Leh
- B.Kullu
- C.Almora
- D.Gangtok
Show answer
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies is at Choglamsar near Leh in Ladakh. It is a deemed university funded by the Union Ministry of Culture.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following is/are the correct components of the "Lion Capital" at Sarnath ? 1. The shaft (stambha-yashti) or the tall tapering column 2. An elliptical top part - the abacus, devoid of any carvings 3. Overflowing inverted petals below the abacus Select the answer using the code given below :
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Statements 1 and 3 describe real parts of the Sarnath pillar, while the abacus is neither elliptical nor plain. The Mauryan pillar at Sarnath, set up by Ashoka, had a tall, smooth, tapering shaft of polished Chunar sandstone.
Read the full explanation →