Jainism — Ancient Indian History

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Jainism

3 questions

All (3) Unattempted (3) Skipped (0) Correct (0) Wrong (0)

Q.1

WBCS Prelims 2009

How many Tirthankars were there in ancient India ?

A. 16

B. 22

C. 23

D. 24

Explanation

Why Correct: Jainism recognizes exactly 24 Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who achieved liberation and showed the path to others.
Distractor Analysis: 16 refers to the number of auspicious dreams Mahavira's mother Trishala saw before his birth. 22 has no established significance in Jain numerology or tradition. 23 is the count of Tirthankaras before Mahavira, with Parshvanatha being the 23rd.
Takeaway: Rishabhanatha was the first Tirthankara, while Mahavira was the 24th and final one in the current cycle of time.

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Q.2

WBCS Prelims 2009

Name the last Tirthankara

A. Parsvanath

B. Mahavira

C. Siddhartha

D. Silbhadra

Explanation

Why Correct: Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th and final Tirthankara in Jain tradition, living around the 6th century BCE.
Distractor Analysis: Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara who lived about 250 years before Mahavira. Siddhartha was Mahavira's father, a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Silbhadra is not a recognized Tirthankara in any Jain canonical literature.
Takeaway: Mahavira established the core principles of Jainism including ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (multiple viewpoints), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

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Q.3

WBCS Prelims 2002

The original name of the Sect which later came to be known as ‘Jaina’ was

A. Tirthankaras

B. Jina

C. Nigranthas

D. Arhant

Explanation

Why Correct: The original name of the sect that later became Jainism was Nigranthas, meaning 'free from bonds' or 'unfettered ones,' referring to ascetics who had overcome worldly attachments.
Distractor Analysis: Tirthankaras are the 24 spiritual teachers in Jainism, starting with Rishabhanatha and ending with Mahavira. Jina means 'victor' or 'conqueror,' a title given to those who have achieved spiritual victory, from which 'Jain' derives. Arhant means 'worthy one' or 'perfected being' who has attained enlightenment.
Takeaway: Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, systematized and propagated the Nigrantha tradition, which evolved into Jainism around the 6th century BCE.

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