1. Jainism was founded by:
A) Parshvanatha
B) Mahavira
C) Rishabhanatha
D) Buddha
Answer: C) Rishabhanatha
Explanation: Jain tradition holds Rishabhanatha (Adinath) as the first Tirthankara; Mahavira was the 24th and last.
2. The 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism was:
A) Parshvanatha
B) Mahavira
C) Rishabhanatha
D) Neminatha
Answer: B) Mahavira
Explanation: He lived in the 6th century BCE and systematized Jain teachings.
3. Mahavira was born at:
A) Kundagrama (Vaishali)
B) Lumbini
C) Kapilavastu
D) Rajagriha
Answer: A) Kundagrama (Vaishali)
Explanation: He was born around 540 BCE in a Kshatriya family of the Jnatrika clan.
4. Mahavira’s father was:
A) Siddhartha
B) Suddhodana
C) Shrenika
D) Nanda
Answer: A) Siddhartha
Explanation: His father was head of the Jnatrika clan; his mother was Trishala.
5. Mahavira attained enlightenment after how many years of penance?
A) 6 years
B) 10 years
C) 12 years
D) 15 years
Answer: C) 12 years
Explanation: At the age of 42, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
6. Mahavira attained enlightenment on the banks of:
A) Ganga
B) Rijupalika river
C) Saraswati
D) Yamuna
Answer: B) Rijupalika river
Explanation: Near Jrimbhikagrama village.
7. Mahavira attained Nirvana (death) at:
A) Vaishali
B) Rajgir
C) Pavapuri
D) Champa
Answer: C) Pavapuri
Explanation: He attained Nirvana at Pavapuri (Bihar) in 468 BCE.
8. Mahavira’s main teachings are called:
A) Panchsheel
B) Triratna
C) Eightfold Path
D) Panchsiddhanta
Answer: B) Triratna
Explanation: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
9. The Triratna of Jainism are:
A) Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya
B) Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
C) Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
D) Karma, Dharma, Moksha
Answer: B) Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
Explanation: The path to liberation in Jainism.
10. The five great vows (Mahavratas) of Jain monks include:
A) Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
B) Karma, Dharma, Moksha, Yoga, Tapas
C) Dana, Yajna, Tapas, Bhakti, Shanti
D) None of these
Answer: A) Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
Explanation: These are central to Jain ethical conduct.
11. The earliest Jain Tirthankara known to history (historical existence) was:
A) Rishabhanatha
B) Parshvanatha
C) Neminatha
D) Ajitanatha
Answer: B) Parshvanatha
Explanation: He lived in the 8th century BCE, before Mahavira.
12. Parshvanatha preached:
A) Four vows
B) Five vows
C) Eightfold path
D) Triratna
Answer: A) Four vows
Explanation: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha. Brahmacharya was added by Mahavira.
13. The doctrine of Anekantavada in Jainism means:
A) Doctrine of non-violence
B) Doctrine of many-sidedness
C) Doctrine of rebirth
D) Doctrine of salvation
Answer: B) Doctrine of many-sidedness
Explanation: Reality has multiple aspects; no single viewpoint is complete.
14. The theory of knowledge in Jainism is called:
A) Syadvada
B) Pratityasamutpada
C) Dvaita
D) Advaita
Answer: A) Syadvada
Explanation: It means conditional or relative knowledge (“maybe” philosophy).
15. According to Jainism, liberation (moksha) can be achieved through:
A) Fasting and penance only
B) Triratna (Right Faith, Knowledge, Conduct)
C) Worship of gods
D) Sacrifices
Answer: B) Triratna (Right Faith, Knowledge, Conduct)
Explanation: Jainism rejects rituals, emphasizes ethical conduct.
16. Jain monks live a life of:
A) Luxury
B) Renunciation and austerity
C) Political activity
D) Agriculture
Answer: B) Renunciation and austerity
Explanation: Strict adherence to non-violence and asceticism.
17. Jainism does not believe in:
A) Karma
B) Rebirth
C) Creator God
D) Salvation
Answer: C) Creator God
Explanation: Jainism is atheistic; universe operates by natural laws.
18. The Jain view of karma is:
A) Ritual action
B) A material substance binding the soul
C) God’s will
D) Only moral concept
Answer: B) A material substance binding the soul
Explanation: Karma is a fine matter clinging to the soul until liberation.
19. Jainism regards the soul (jiva) as:
A) Non-eternal
B) Eternal and independent
C) Created by God
D) Non-existent
Answer: B) Eternal and independent
Explanation: Every living being has an eternal soul.
20. Jainism’s motto “Parasparopagraho Jivanam” means:
A) Non-violence is supreme
B) Souls render service to one another
C) Salvation through meditation
D) Knowledge is liberation
Answer: B) Souls render service to one another
Explanation: It emphasizes interdependence of all life.
21. The Jain symbol of the raised hand with a wheel means:
A) Karma
B) Stop – Non-violence (Ahimsa)
C) Dharma chakra
D) Moksha
Answer: B) Stop – Non-violence (Ahimsa)
Explanation: It conveys the message of Ahimsa Parmo Dharma.
22. The earliest Jain texts were written in:
A) Pali
B) Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi)
C) Sanskrit
D) Tamil
Answer: B) Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi)
Explanation: Jain texts were preserved in Prakrit languages.
23. The sacred Jain text containing the teachings of Mahavira is:
A) Dhammapada
B) Angas
C) Upanishads
D) Arthashastra
Answer: B) Angas
Explanation: The 12 Angas form part of the Jain canon.
24. The Jain Sangha was organized by:
A) Mahavira
B) Parshvanatha
C) Rishabhanatha
D) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: A) Mahavira
Explanation: He created a fourfold order – monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen.
25. The Jain Sangha was divided into:
A) Two parts
B) Four parts
C) Six parts
D) Eight parts
Answer: B) Four parts
Explanation: Sadhu (monks), Sadhvi (nuns), Shravaka (male lay followers), Shravika (female lay followers).
26. The First Jain Council was held at:
A) Pataliputra
B) Rajagriha
C) Valabhi
D) Mathura
Answer: B) Rajagriha
Explanation: Convened in 300 BCE at Pataliputra or Rajagriha (different traditions), under the leadership of Sthulabhadra, it compiled Jain texts.
27. The Second Jain Council was held at:
A) Valabhi (Gujarat)
B) Ujjain
C) Vaishali
D) Champa
Answer: A) Valabhi (Gujarat)
Explanation: Held in the 5th century CE under Devardhi Kshamasramana; Jain canon was finally compiled in written form.
28. The sacred Jain texts are called:
A) Tripitaka
B) Agamas
C) Vedas
D) Sutras
Answer: B) Agamas
Explanation: The Jain canonical texts are collectively known as Agamas.
29. The Agamas were originally written in:
A) Pali
B) Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
C) Sanskrit
D) Apabhramsha
Answer: B) Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
Explanation: Jain texts were preserved in this language.
30. The Jain canon was divided into how many Angas?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 14
D) 16
Answer: B) 12
Explanation: The 12 Angas formed the core of Jain sacred literature.
31. Out of 12 Angas, how many are extant in Shvetambara tradition?
A) 12
B) 11
C) 10
D) 9
Answer: B) 11
Explanation: The 12th Anga (Drishtivada) is considered lost.
32. Jainism later split into two major sects – Digambara and Shvetambara – during:
A) Mauryan period
B) Post-Mauryan period (c. 1st century BCE–1st century CE)
C) Gupta period
D) Mughal period
Answer: B) Post-Mauryan period (c. 1st century BCE–1st century CE)
Explanation: The schism occurred over differences in monastic practices.
33. Digambara literally means:
A) White-robed
B) Sky-clad (naked)
C) Followers of scriptures
D) Protectors of Dharma
Answer: B) Sky-clad (naked)
Explanation: Digambara monks renounced clothes as a symbol of detachment.
34. Shvetambara literally means:
A) Sky-clad
B) White-robed
C) Yellow-robed
D) Lay followers
Answer: B) White-robed
Explanation: Shvetambara monks wear simple white clothes.
35. According to Digambaras, women:
A) Can achieve liberation (moksha)
B) Cannot achieve liberation
C) Have no place in religion
D) Must remain lay followers only
Answer: B) Cannot achieve liberation
Explanation: Digambaras believe women must be reborn as men to achieve moksha.
36. According to Shvetambaras, women:
A) Can attain moksha
B) Cannot attain moksha
C) Are excluded from monastic life
D) Have no role in Sangha
Answer: A) Can attain moksha
Explanation: Shvetambaras admit women into their monastic order.
37. The idol-worship in Jainism became common under:
A) Mauryan rule
B) Kushan period
C) Gupta period
D) Mughal rule
Answer: C) Gupta period
Explanation: From Gupta times, Jain image worship became widespread.
38. The Digambaras preserved their texts mainly in:
A) Prakrit
B) Apabhramsha
C) Sanskrit
D) Tamil
Answer: C) Sanskrit
Explanation: Many Digambara texts were written in Sanskrit, e.g., works of Kundakunda.
39. The Shvetambaras preserved their texts mainly in:
A) Sanskrit
B) Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
C) Pali
D) Persian
Answer: B) Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
Explanation: Shvetambaras maintained scriptures in Prakrit.
40. The Jain text Tattvarthasutra was written by:
A) Kundakunda
B) Umaswati (Umasvami)
C) Bhadrabahu
D) Haribhadra
Answer: B) Umaswati (Umasvami)
Explanation: It is the only Jain text accepted by both Digambaras and Shvetambaras.
41. The earliest Jain council was held under the patronage of:
A) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Kalasoka
C) Ashoka
D) Samprati
Answer: A) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Traditionally, Chandragupta patronized Jain monks and Bhadrabahu.
42. Chandragupta Maurya, in his later life, became a follower of:
A) Ajivikas
B) Jainism
C) Buddhism
D) Shaivism
Answer: B) Jainism
Explanation: He embraced Jainism and spent his last days at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka).
43. The Mauryan emperor who is remembered as a great Jain patron after Ashoka was:
A) Samprati
B) Dasaratha
C) Bindusara
D) Brihadratha
Answer: A) Samprati
Explanation: Grandson of Ashoka, Samprati patronized Jainism widely.
44. The western Indian region where Jainism spread strongly was:
A) Gujarat and Rajasthan
B) Bengal
C) Orissa
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: A) Gujarat and Rajasthan
Explanation: These became major Jain centers due to Shvetambara influence.
45. The southern region where Jainism flourished was:
A) Andhra and Karnataka
B) Gujarat
C) Bihar
D) Bengal
Answer: A) Andhra and Karnataka
Explanation: Digambaras were especially strong in the Deccan.
46. The famous Jain center of Shravanabelagola is located in:
A) Gujarat
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Karnataka
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C) Karnataka
Explanation: It houses the famous statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali).
47. The colossal Gomateshwara (Bahubali) statue at Shravanabelagola was built by:
A) Chalukyas
B) Ganga dynasty ruler Chamundaraya
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Hoysalas
Answer: B) Ganga dynasty ruler Chamundaraya
Explanation: Built in 10th century CE, it is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world.
48. The Jain temple city of Shatrunjaya (Palitana) is located in:
A) Gujarat
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: A) Gujarat
Explanation: Palitana is a major Shvetambara pilgrimage site.
49. The Dilwara Jain temples are located at:
A) Mount Abu, Rajasthan
B) Ellora, Maharashtra
C) Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
D) Sarnath, U.P.
Answer: A) Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Explanation: Famous for their exquisite marble architecture (11th–13th centuries CE).
50. A major reason Jainism spread in western India was:
A) Patronage by merchant communities
B) Support of Brahmins
C) Military power
D) Adoption by Muslims
Answer: A) Patronage by merchant communities
Explanation: Jainism’s emphasis on non-violence and truth attracted wealthy traders and bankers.
51. The Jain canonical texts are called:
A) Agamas
B) Vedas
C) Tripitaka
D) Upanishads
Answer: A) Agamas
Explanation: The teachings of Mahavira and earlier Tirthankaras were preserved in the Agamas.
52. The Jain canonical texts were compiled finally at:
A) Rajagriha
B) Pataliputra
C) Valabhi
D) Ujjain
Answer: C) Valabhi
Explanation: The Second Jain Council (5th century CE) at Valabhi compiled the Agamas in written form.
53. The language of Jain canonical literature is mainly:
A) Sanskrit
B) Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
C) Pali
D) Tamil
Answer: B) Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
Explanation: It was the language of the masses in eastern India.
54. The Tattvarthasutra is important because:
A) It is the only text accepted by both Digambara and Shvetambara sects
B) It was written by Mahavira
C) It deals only with rituals
D) It is a Buddhist scripture
Answer: A) It is the only text accepted by both Digambara and Shvetambara sects
Explanation: Written by Umasvati/Umaswami, it summarizes Jain philosophy.
55. The theory of Syadvada in Jain philosophy means:
A) Absolute truth
B) Theory of conditional predication (“maybe” theory)
C) Eternalism
D) Materialism
Answer: B) Theory of conditional predication (“maybe” theory)
Explanation: It emphasizes that truth is relative and has many aspects.
56. The doctrine of Anekantavada in Jainism emphasizes:
A) Only one truth
B) Multiplicity of viewpoints
C) Ritual sacrifices
D) Non-existence of soul
Answer: B) Multiplicity of viewpoints
Explanation: Reality can be understood in multiple ways, not a single perspective.
57. The Jain theory of knowledge recognizes:
A) Five kinds of knowledge
B) Two kinds of knowledge
C) Ten kinds of knowledge
D) No theory of knowledge
Answer: A) Five kinds of knowledge
Explanation: They are: Mati (sensory), Shruta (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), Kevala (omniscience).
58. The ultimate goal of Jain philosophy is:
A) Heaven
B) Liberation (Moksha)
C) Wealth and prosperity
D) Power
Answer: B) Liberation (Moksha)
Explanation: Moksha means release of the soul from karmic bondage.
59. According to Jainism, Moksha is attained by:
A) Performing yajnas
B) Triratna – Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
C) Worshipping gods
D) Following caste duties
Answer: B) Triratna – Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
Explanation: These form the threefold path to liberation.
60. Jain philosophy regards karma as:
A) A ritual action
B) A material substance binding the soul
C) Only a mental state
D) A divine punishment
Answer: B) A material substance binding the soul
Explanation: Jainism treats karma as fine particles of matter clinging to the soul.
61. Jain monks follow the principle of extreme:
A) Violence
B) Renunciation and asceticism
C) Political involvement
D) Wealth accumulation
Answer: B) Renunciation and asceticism
Explanation: They practice Ahimsa to the highest level.
62. The famous Jain text Kalpasutra was written by:
A) Haribhadra
B) Bhadrabahu
C) Hemachandra
D) Umasvati
Answer: B) Bhadrabahu
Explanation: It contains biographies of Tirthankaras including Mahavira.
63. The Jain scholar Hemachandra lived in the court of:
A) Kumaragupta
B) Chandragupta Maurya
C) Kumarapala of Gujarat
D) Harshavardhana
Answer: C) Kumarapala of Gujarat
Explanation: Hemachandra was a great Jain scholar and polymath.
64. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are famous as:
A) Dilwara temples
B) Sun temples
C) Kailasanatha temples
D) Ajanta caves
Answer: A) Dilwara temples
Explanation: Built between 11th–13th centuries, they are noted for marble architecture.
65. The colossal statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola was built in:
A) 10th century CE
B) 5th century CE
C) 3rd century BCE
D) 12th century CE
Answer: A) 10th century CE
Explanation: Built by Chamundaraya of the Ganga dynasty.
66. The main features of Jain art include:
A) Stupas
B) Rock-cut caves, temples, and colossal statues
C) Vedic yajna altars
D) Forts
Answer: B) Rock-cut caves, temples, and colossal statues
Explanation: Jain art emphasized non-violence and ascetic ideals.
67. The famous Jain caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri are located in:
A) Odisha
B) Maharashtra
C) Karnataka
D) Gujarat
Answer: A) Odisha
Explanation: They were patronized by King Kharavela of Kalinga.
68. The Jain caves at Ellora are numbered:
A) 1–12
B) 13–29
C) 30–34
D) 60–64
Answer: C) 30–34
Explanation: These belong to Digambara sect and date to 9th century CE.
69. The Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), a major Jain pilgrimage site, is in:
A) Rajasthan
B) Bihar (Jharkhand today)
C) Gujarat
D) Maharashtra
Answer: B) Bihar (Jharkhand today)
Explanation: Many Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, attained Nirvana here.
70. The Shatrunjaya hills, a sacred site with hundreds of Jain temples, are located in:
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Odisha
Answer: B) Gujarat
Explanation: Palitana (Shatrunjaya hills) is a major Shvetambara pilgrimage center.
71. The Pavagadh Jain temples are located in:
A) Gujarat
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Karnataka
Answer: A) Gujarat
Explanation: Pavagadh is another sacred Jain pilgrimage site.
72. Jain literature contributed significantly to which regional language?
A) Tamil
B) Kannada
C) Gujarati
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Jain monks enriched regional languages with religious and secular works.
73. The Jain practice of fasting unto death is called:
A) Nirvana
B) Sallekhana (Santhara)
C) Moksha
D) Kevalajnana
Answer: B) Sallekhana (Santhara)
Explanation: A voluntary religious fast symbolizing renunciation.
74. The Jain texts that deal with cosmology and philosophy are called:
A) Purvas
B) Upangas
C) Chedasutras
D) Angas
Answer: B) Upangas
Explanation: They supplement the canonical Angas with philosophical details.
75. The Jain contribution to Indian architecture is most evident in:
A) Rock-cut caves (Udayagiri, Ellora), marble temples (Dilwara, Palitana), and colossal statues (Bahubali)
B) Islamic mosques
C) Buddhist stupas
D) Gupta temples
Answer: A) Rock-cut caves (Udayagiri, Ellora), marble temples (Dilwara, Palitana), and colossal statues (Bahubali)
Explanation: These monuments reflect Jain devotion, discipline, and artistic patronage.
76. Jainism received early royal patronage from:
A) Mauryas
B) Nandas
C) Magadha rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru
D) Guptas
Answer: C) Magadha rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru
Explanation: Early Magadhan kings supported both Jainism and Buddhism.
77. Chandragupta Maurya spent his last days as a Jain monk at:
A) Ujjain
B) Shravanabelagola
C) Rajagriha
D) Kashi
Answer: B) Shravanabelagola
Explanation: He abdicated the throne and followed Jain monk Bhadrabahu.
78. The Mauryan king Samprati, grandson of Ashoka, is remembered as:
A) Buddhist patron
B) Jain patron
C) Shaiva devotee
D) Vaishnava ruler
Answer: B) Jain patron
Explanation: Known as “Jain Ashoka” for spreading Jainism in West India.
79. Kharavela, ruler of Kalinga, is known for:
A) Patronizing Jainism and building Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves
B) Building Sanchi stupa
C) Establishing Nalanda
D) Writing Buddhist Pitakas
Answer: A) Patronizing Jainism and building Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves
Explanation: His Hathigumpha inscription shows deep devotion to Jainism.
80. Jainism declined in India mainly due to:
A) Rise of Hindu Bhakti movements
B) Division into sects (Digambara, Shvetambara)
C) Loss of royal patronage and competition from Buddhism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple socio-religious factors weakened Jainism.
81. Jainism’s strict doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa) limited its popularity among:
A) Farmers and rulers
B) Traders and merchants
C) Monks and ascetics
D) Artisans
Answer: A) Farmers and rulers
Explanation: Agriculture and war inevitably involve violence.
82. Which religion absorbed many Jain concepts, contributing to Jain decline?
A) Hinduism (Bhakti movements)
B) Buddhism
C) Zoroastrianism
D) Christianity
Answer: A) Hinduism (Bhakti movements)
Explanation: Bhakti offered an easier path to devotion, reducing Jain influence.
83. Despite decline, Jainism remained strong in:
A) Eastern India
B) Western India (Gujarat, Rajasthan) and South India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
C) Punjab
D) Bengal
Answer: B) Western India (Gujarat, Rajasthan) and South India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
Explanation: Merchant communities and regional rulers preserved Jainism.
84. Jainism’s greatest contribution to Indian thought is:
A) Doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa)
B) Anekantavada (multiplicity of truths)
C) Syadvada (conditional logic)
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Jainism deeply influenced Indian philosophy and ethics.
85. The concept of Ahimsa in Jainism later influenced:
A) Akbar’s Sulh-i-Kul
B) Gandhi’s Satyagraha
C) Ashoka’s Dhamma
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Jain ideas shaped Indian politics, society, and freedom movement.
86. The Jain emphasis on non-possession (Aparigraha) influenced:
A) Gandhian economic thought
B) Socialist economy
C) Mughal revenue system
D) British utilitarianism
Answer: A) Gandhian economic thought
Explanation: Gandhi advocated minimal needs and simplicity.
87. The economic class most attracted to Jainism was:
A) Peasants
B) Warriors
C) Traders and merchants
D) Priests
Answer: C) Traders and merchants
Explanation: Its ethics of honesty, non-violence, and charity suited mercantile life.
88. Jainism’s contribution to language and literature was greatest in:
A) Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada, Tamil, Gujarati
B) Persian
C) English
D) Arabic
Answer: A) Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada, Tamil, Gujarati
Explanation: Jain monks enriched these languages with vast literature.
89. The Jain practice of fasting unto death (Sallekhana) symbolizes:
A) Rejection of society
B) Renunciation and purification of soul
C) Political protest
D) Denial of scriptures
Answer: B) Renunciation and purification of soul
Explanation: It reflects ultimate non-attachment and discipline.
90. Jain architecture is best represented by:
A) Dilwara temples (Mount Abu)
B) Palitana temples (Shatrunjaya hills)
C) Shravanabelagola statue of Bahubali
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Jain monuments display devotion, asceticism, and exquisite art.
91. Which Mughal emperor showed tolerance to Jainism and banned animal slaughter temporarily?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Aurangzeb
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: A) Akbar
Explanation: Akbar interacted with Jain monks like Hiravijaya Suri and respected Jain principles.
92. Modern revival of Jain studies was led by:
A) British archaeologists
B) Jain monks and reformers
C) Ambedkar
D) Nehru
Answer: B) Jain monks and reformers
Explanation: Scholars revived texts, inscriptions, and temples.
93. Today, Jains constitute about what percentage of India’s population?
A) Less than 1%
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Answer: A) Less than 1%
Explanation: Despite small numbers, they are highly influential economically and culturally.
94. The Jain community is especially prominent in:
A) Banking and trade
B) Agriculture
C) Military
D) Politics
Answer: A) Banking and trade
Explanation: Their principles suited mercantile professions.
95. Jainism’s legacy in Indian polity is visible in:
A) Influence on Gandhi’s non-violent movement
B) Akbar’s policies of tolerance
C) Emphasis on truth and morality in governance
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Jain values shaped Indian social and political ethos.
96. The two sects of Jainism still active today are:
A) Digambara and Shvetambara
B) Hinayana and Mahayana
C) Shaiva and Vaishnava
D) Theravada and Vajrayana
Answer: A) Digambara and Shvetambara
Explanation: Both continue with their distinct practices and centers.
97. The Digambara center of learning and worship in South India is:
A) Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
B) Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
C) Nalanda (Bihar)
D) Ellora (Maharashtra)
Answer: A) Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
Explanation: It remains a pilgrimage hub for Digambaras.
98. The Shvetambara community is most concentrated in:
A) Gujarat and Rajasthan
B) Bihar
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Punjab
Answer: A) Gujarat and Rajasthan
Explanation: Western India is their stronghold.
99. Jainism’s enduring legacy in Indian culture is:
A) Ahimsa, ethical conduct, rich literature, and artistic heritage
B) Aggressive conquest
C) Military empire
D) Vedic yajnas
Answer: A) Ahimsa, ethical conduct, rich literature, and artistic heritage
Explanation: Jainism’s true impact is moral and cultural, not political.
100. In Indian history, Jainism is remembered as:
A) A religion of compassion, non-violence, and tolerance that deeply shaped India’s culture
B) A political empire-builder
C) A foreign religion
D) A philosophy of conquest
Answer: A) A religion of compassion, non-violence, and tolerance that deeply shaped India’s culture
Explanation: Jainism remains one of India’s greatest ethical and cultural traditions.