Buddhism, Jainism and Other Sects PYQs – Ancient History, SSC & Railway

Topic: Jain Literature - Śvetāmbara Texts
TheKalpa-sutrais one of the most important canonical texts of Śvetāmbara Jainism.
Key Features:
• Contains biographies of all 24 Tīrthaṅkaras
• Records the lineage of Jain pontiffs (Sthavirāvalī)
• Prescribes monastic rules for Paryuṣaṇa festival
• Traditionally recited during Paryuṣaṇa celebrations
Composed by Ācārya Bhadrabāhu in the 4th century BCE.
Answer: Option 4 → Kalpa-sutra

Correct Answer: Criticism of Vedic rituals — Option (b)
The rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century BCE is primarily associated with the criticism of Vedic rituals (yajnas/sacrifices) and the Brahminical religious order. Historical context — Factors leading to rise of Buddhism and Jainism: Criticism of Vedic rituals: The elaborate, expensive Vedic sacrifices (yajnas) had become inaccessible to the common people and were monopolized by the Brahmin priestly class; both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha rejected these rituals as unnecessary for spiritual liberation; Rejection of caste hierarchy: The rigid Varna system placed Brahmins at the top; Buddhism and Jainism were more egalitarian — they accepted people from all castes and emphasized karma over birth; The mercantile class: The rise of trade and the Vaishya (merchant) class who needed a religion that did not require expensive sacrifices also supported Buddhism and Jainism; Urban growth: The rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas (kingdoms and republics) in the Gangetic plains created an environment where new ideas flourished; Language accessibility: The Buddha preached in Pali (common people's language) instead of Sanskrit, making teachings accessible; Ahimsa (Non-violence): Both Buddhism and Jainism emphasized non-violence (ahimsa) — in contrast to Vedic sacrifices which involved animal slaughter; Key figures: Mahavira (599-527 BCE) — 24th Tirthankara of Jainism; Gautama Buddha (c. 563-483 BCE) — founder of Buddhism.
Option (a) Rise of monarchy — Incorrect: While the rise of Mahajanapadas (large kingdoms) and monarchy did occur in the same period (6th century BCE), the DIRECT association with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism is the criticism of Vedic rituals, not the rise of monarchy per se; monarchs supported both new religions but weren't the cause of their rise.
Option (c) Decline of agriculture — Incorrect: The 6th century BCE actually saw an EXPANSION of agriculture (iron tools enabled forest clearing and new cultivation) — there was no 'decline of agriculture'; the spread of iron tools supported both agriculture and urbanization in this period.
Option (d) Persian influence — Incorrect: While the Achaemenid Persian Empire had some contact with northwestern India (Gandhara), Persian influence is not the primary factor associated with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century BCE; both religions arose from internal Indian philosophical and social conditions.

Topic: Buddhist Literature - Tripitaka
The Tripitaka (Three Baskets) consists of:
1.Vinaya Pitaka- Monastic rules and discipline
2. Sutta Pitaka - Buddha's teachings and discourses
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka - Philosophy and doctrine
Vinaya Pitakacontains detailed rules of conduct,
disciplinary code, and regulations for Buddhist monks
and nuns (Sangha).
Answer: Option 4 → Rules for monks and nuns

Topic: Buddhist Literature - Tripitaka
Tripitaka (Three Baskets):
1.Vinaya Pitaka- Rules of monastic discipline
2.Sutta Pitaka- Buddha's teachings and sermons
3.Abhidhamma Pitaka- Philosophical doctrines
Vinaya Pitakacontains detailed rules for monks and nuns.
Anguttara Nikaya is part of Sutta Pitaka.
Answer: Option 1 → Vinaya Pitaka

Buddhist Tipitaka (Three Baskets)
1. Vinaya Pitaka→ Monastic rules and discipline for monks and nuns
2. Sutta Pitaka→ Buddha's teachings and discourses
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka→ Philosophical and psychological analysis
Jataka tales are part of Sutta Pitaka (birth stories of Buddha)
Answer: Option 3 → Vinaya Pitaka

Topic: Buddhist Literature
Jataka Talesare a collection of stories about the previous births of Buddha.
Compiled around1st century CE, these tales describe Buddha's journey through various lives before attaining enlightenment.
Each story illustrates moral lessons and Buddhist values through Buddha's past incarnations as animals, humans, and divine beings.
Answer: Option 1 → Jataka Tales

Buddhist Texts - Tripitaka (Three Baskets)
Sutta Pitaka:Contains dialogues and discourses of Buddha
Recorded in 1st century BCE, largest section of Tripitaka
Other Pitakas :
Vinaya Pitaka → Monastic rules and discipline
Abhidhamma Pitaka → Philosophical and doctrinal analysis
Jataka Tales → Birth stories of Buddha's previous lives
Answer: Option 1 → Sutta Pitaka

Both statements are correct. Mahayana Buddhism represents a 'New way of thinking' with emphasis on bodhisattvas and salvation for all sentient beings. Hinayana (Theravada) represents the 'Older Tradition', following the original teachings of the Buddha strictly. 'Only I' and 'Only II' are incomplete answers; 'Neither I nor II' is factually wrong.

Syadvada (also known as Anekantavada ) is the Jain philosophical doctrine of conditional predication and non-absolutism. Its main aim is to acknowledge that truth and reality are complex and multifaceted, and that any single statement about reality is only conditionally true from a particular perspective. The word ' syat ' means 'maybe' or 'perhaps', emphasising the conditionality of all assertions.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Promote ritual sacrifices: Jainism, especially Syadvada , emphasises non-violence (ahimsa) and opposes ritual sacrifices.
- Emphasize strict fundamentalism: Syadvada is about open-minded pluralism, not dogmatic fundamentalism.
- Deny all forms of reality: Syadvada does not deny reality; rather, it recognises the relative nature of truth.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – An ascetic, who appeared to be happy and at peace.
According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) encountered the 'Four Sights' — an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a wandering ascetic. The ascetic, who appeared calm and at peace despite having nothing, inspired Siddhartha to renounce his royal life and seek liberation from suffering.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1: No specific teacher explaining suffering triggered his renunciation — it was the sight of an ascetic.
Option 3: A conversation with a king is not mentioned in Buddhist texts as the cause of his renunciation.
Option 4: Dreams and visions did not directly cause his renunciation; it was the four physical sights.

The correct answer is Lord Mahavira (Option 1). Anekatavada (the doctrine of many-sidedness or non-absolutism) is a core Jain philosophical concept associated with Lord Mahavira. It states that reality is complex and cannot be fully captured from any single viewpoint. It is closely related to Syadvada (conditional predication) and Nayavada . Option 2 ( Vishnugupta /Chanakya) is associated with Arthashastra . Option 3 (Lord Buddha) is associated with the Middle Path. Option 4 (Samudragupta) was a Gupta king.

Correct Answer: 2 (Right conduct)
In Jainism, the path to liberation is defined by the Three Jewels (Triratna):
1. Samyak Darshana = Right Faith / Right Vision
2. Samyak Jnana = Right Knowledge
3. Samyak Charitra (Samyakcharitra) = Right Conduct
'Charitra' means conduct/behaviour. Samyakcharitra refers to living a life of right moral conduct, following the ethical principles prescribed in Jainism.
Option 1 (Right faith) is incorrect - that is Samyak Darshana.
Option 3 (Right meditation) is incorrect - this is not one of the three jewels as a standalone term.
Option 4 (Right knowledge) is incorrect - that is Samyak Jnana.

Correct Answer: 29
Siddhartha Gautama was 29 years old when he first ventured out of his palace and encountered the 'Four Sights' - an old man, a sick man, a dead body, and a wandering ascetic. These encounters revealed to him the reality of human suffering, leading to his Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana) and his quest for enlightenment.
Why other options are wrong:
42 - By age 42, the Buddha had already attained enlightenment and was teaching.
38 - Incorrect age; he left at 29.
33 - Incorrect; this is not a significant age in Buddha's life story.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Fourth
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir (specifically at Kundalavana /Harwan) during the reign of Kanishka I, the Kushan emperor, around the 1st-2nd century CE. It was presided over by Vasumitra (chairman) and Ashvaghosa (vice-chairman). The council compiled the Mahavibhasa , a comprehensive commentary on Abhidharma, and marked the formal split of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (First): The First Council was held at Rajagriha (Rajgir) under King Ajatashatru after the Buddha's death.
Option 2 (Second): The Second Council was held at Vaishali, about 100 years after the First Council.
Option 3 (Third): The Third Council was held at Pataliputra under Emperor Ashoka's patronage.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Buddha
The Jataka Tales are a collection of 547 stories about the previous lives (past births) of Gautama Buddha. They are part of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. Each story describes a past life of the Bodhisatta (the being who would become Buddha), illustrating virtues like compassion, wisdom, generosity, and self-sacrifice. The tales are found in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Tipitaka and are widely popular across Buddhist cultures.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Mahavira): Jain texts have their own stories about Mahavira's previous lives, but the Jataka Tales specifically refer to Buddhist texts about Buddha's past lives.
Option 3 (Rama): Rama is a Hindu deity (avatar of Vishnu); Jataka Tales are Buddhist texts, not Hindu epics.
Option 4 (Krishna): Krishna is a Hindu deity; Jataka Tales are not associated with him.

The correct answer is (a) Nepal.
Lumbini, located in Nepal's Rupandehi district, is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India actively collaborates with Nepal on the Lumbini Development Project to restore and promote this sacred site. India has constructed the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini.
(b) Sri Lanka: Has Buddhist heritage connections but is not specifically a partner on the Lumbini Project.
(c) Bangladesh: Not a partner in the Lumbini Project.
(d) Bhutan: Not specifically partnering with India on the Lumbini Project.

The correct answer is Rules and regulations for the monastic order (Option 2).
The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three 'baskets' (Tipitaka) of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. It primarily contains the rules and regulations governing the Buddhist Sangha (monastic community) — covering conduct, discipline, procedures for ordination, handling disputes, and daily life of monks and nuns.
Option 1 - Philosophical teachings and doctrines: Philosophical teachings are primarily found in the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha) and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Option 3 - Historical accounts of the Buddha's life: Buddha's biographical accounts are found in texts like the Buddhacharita and the Jataka stories, not the Vinaya Pitaka.
Option 4 - Poetic and lyrical compositions: Poetic compositions by monks are found in the Theragatha and Therigatha , which are part of the Sutta Pitaka, not the Vinaya Pitaka.

The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Tipitaka (the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism). It contains all the rules and regulations governing the Buddhist Sangha (monastic community) — covering monastic discipline and ethics for monks and nuns, including rules on conduct, confession, and communal living. Option 2 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: Meditation techniques are primarily covered in the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), not the Vinaya Pitaka; the Vinaya specifically deals with monastic rules.
Option 3 is wrong: Philosophical doctrines are mainly contained in the Abhidhamma Pitaka (higher teachings on philosophy and psychology), not the Vinaya Pitaka.
Option 4 is wrong: Rituals and ceremonies are not the focus of the Vinaya Pitaka; it specifically governs monastic discipline and the code of conduct for Buddhist monks and nuns.

Correct Answer: Sthulabahu (Option 2)
The First Jain Council (Sangayana) was held at Pataliputra (modern Patna) around 300 BCE, during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. It was presided over by Sthulabahu (also written as Sthulibhadra). At this council, the 12 Angas (canonical texts) of Jainism were compiled. The council resulted in a split between Digambara and Shvetambara sects of Jainism.
Bhadrabahu was the Jain acharya who led a group of monks to South India (Karnataka) — he was a contemporary but did not preside over the first council at Pataliputra.
Moggallanna and Rahula are associated with Buddhism — not Jainism.

The great Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna was described by Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang as "one of the four lights of the world." Nagarjuna is regarded as the founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism. Due to his profound logical and philosophical contributions, he is also called the Indian Einstein .

The Second Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kalashoka (also called Kakasoka ) around 383 BCE at Vaishali. It was convened approximately 100 years after the First Buddhist Council to resolve disputes over the Vinaya (monastic code) among Buddhist monks.
Ajatashatru patronised the First Buddhist Council held at Rajagriha .
Bimbisara was the father of Ajatashatru and was not associated with the Buddhist councils.
Mahapadma Nanda was a ruler of the Nanda dynasty, not connected to the Buddhist councils.

Correct Answer: Umasvati (Option 2)
The 'Tattvarthadhigamasutra' (also known as 'Tattvarthasutra') is regarded as the first comprehensive text of Jain philosophy and was authored by Umasvati (also spelled Umaswati), a Jain scholar who lived around the 2nd-5th century CE. It is the oldest Jain text written in Sanskrit and covers all aspects of Jain philosophy, ethics, and cosmology.
Why others are wrong:
Option 1 - Mahavira: He is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism and the founder of the Jain faith as we know it today, but he did not author the Tattvarthadhigamasutra.
Option 3 - Bhadrabahu: He was a prominent Jain scholar and the last head of the undivided Jain community, but not the author of this text.
Option 4 - Rishabhadeva: He is considered the first Tirthankara of Jainism, not the author of this philosophical text.

Gautama Buddha is traditionally believed to have been born around 560 BCE (some scholars cite 563 BCE), in Lumbini (present-day Nepal). This is based on the Theravada Buddhist tradition and is widely accepted in historical and academic sources.
His death is placed around 480 BCE. Options 432, 361, and 263 BCE are too late and are incorrect. The candidate incorrectly selected 361 BCE.

Correct Answer: Ignorance and Attachment
According to Buddhist philosophy, the Buddha identified Ignorance (Avidya) and Attachment/Craving (Tanha/Moha) as the two root causes of human suffering (Dukkha). These are part of the concept of the Twelve Nidanas (chain of dependent origination). Ignorance leads to craving and attachment, which in turn lead to suffering. The Buddha's Second Noble Truth (Samudaya) explains that desire/craving is the origin of suffering.
Why other options are wrong:
- Hunger and Thirst: Physical needs; not the philosophical roots of suffering in Buddhist teaching.
- War and Poverty: Social conditions; not what Buddha identified as root causes.
- Violence and Disease: External conditions; Buddha identified internal mental factors as the roots.

Correct Answer: Vishnu
During the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE), ' Bhagavatism ' or 'Vaishnavism' was a major religious movement that centred on the worship of Vishnu (also called Bhagavat or Narayana). It emphasised bhakti (devotion) and ahimsa (non-violence). The Gupta emperors were Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu) and adopted the title 'Param Bhagavata.' The Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana are key texts of this tradition.
Why other options are wrong:
- Shiva: Shaivism is the tradition centred on Shiva worship; distinct from Bhagavatism .
- Brahma: Has limited devotional tradition; not the focus of Bhagavatism .
- Indra: A Vedic deity who declined in importance in the Puranic period; not the centre of Bhagavatism .

Correct Answer: Syadvada
Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, developed the philosophical system of Syadvada (also called Anekantavada or the doctrine of many-sidedness/conditional predication). Syadvada states that reality is complex and cannot be completely described from any single point of view. The prefix ' syat ' (Sanskrit for 'perhaps' or 'maybe') emphasises the conditional nature of all assertions. It is closely related to the Jain concept of Anekantavada (non-absolutism).
Why other options are wrong:
- Dvaita: A Vedantic philosophy propounded by Madhvacharya , emphasizing the distinction between individual soul and Brahman.
- Vedanta: A school of Hindu philosophy based on the Upanishads; not associated with Mahavira.
- Mimamsa: A school of Hindu philosophy focused on the interpretation of Vedic rituals; not Jain philosophy.

Correct Answer: 30 (Option 2)
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, decided to leave his home in search of spiritual truth at the age of 30. He renounced worldly life, gave up all possessions, and became an ascetic. After 12 years of intense meditation and austerities, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at the age of 42.
Why others are wrong:
Option 1 - 25: Incorrect age; Mahavira left home at 30.
Option 3 - 35: Incorrect age.
Option 4 - 40: Incorrect age; 42 was when he attained enlightenment, not when he left home.

Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) meditated for many days (traditionally 49 days) under the sacred Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, located in present-day Bihar, India. It was here that he attained enlightenment (Nirvana) and became the Buddha. Bodh Gaya is now one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Lumbini: This is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, located in present-day Nepal. Option 3 - Varanasi: After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi, but did not meditate here for many days before enlightenment. Option 4 - Ujjain: Ujjain is an important Hindu pilgrimage city in Madhya Pradesh, not associated with the Buddha's meditation.

Correct Answer: Vaishali (Option 2)
Mahavira (599–527 BCE), the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, was born in Kundagrama , a small town near the ancient city of Vaishali (in present-day Vaishali district, Bihar). He was born into a royal Kshatriya family. He attained enlightenment (Kevala Jnana) at the age of 42 and attained nirvana at Pawapuri , Bihar.
Taxila is in present-day Pakistan and is associated with Chanakya's education, not Mahavira. Ujjain is associated with Vikramaditya and Mahakaleshwar. Pataliputra (modern Patna) was the Mauryan capital.

Kanishka, the great Kushan emperor, convened the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana (also written as Kundalvana ) in Kashmir. This council was held to compile and systematise Buddhist teachings, and it led to the development of Mahayana Buddhism. Why others are wrong: - Vaishali: The Third Buddhist Council (or the Second, per some traditions) was held at Vaishali, not the Fourth. - Ujjain: Not associated with the Fourth Buddhist Council. - Gwalior: Not the location of this council.

' Aparigraha ' is one of the five major vows ( Mahavrata ) in Jainism, meaning non-possessiveness or non-greed. It refers to not accumulating possessions beyond one's genuine needs. The other Jain vows are: Sallekhana/ Santhara (fasting unto death) — not Aparigraha ; Asteya (refraining from theft); Satya (speaking only the truth); and Ahimsa (non-violence). Aparigraha specifically addresses material non-attachment.

Ananda, Upali and Sariputta were among Buddha's chief disciples.
Susima is associated with the Mauryan dynasty (elder son of Bindusara) and is not counted among Buddha's direct disciples.

'Metta' in Buddhism (Pali) means loving-kindness or fellow feeling — wishing the well-being of all beings. Mindful meditation = sati, ritual purity, and celibacy/renunciation are different concepts.
Hence, Fellow feeling is correct.