Religions & Philosophy — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. White-clad or wearing white clothes

• **White-clad or wearing white clothes** = The 'Shvetambara' sect of Jainism is primarily characterized by its monks and nuns wearing simple **white clothes**. • **Two major branches** — Shvetambara is one of the two principal sects of Jainism, differing from the Digambara sect on monastic practices and beliefs about women's liberation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Followers of Buddha]: Describes Buddhists; [Followers of Krishna]: Describes Vaishnavites; [Sky-clad or naked]: Describes the Digambara sect of Jainism.

Correct Answer: A. Parsis

• **Parsis** = The 'Avesta' is the primary religious text of the **Parsis**, who are adherents of Zoroastrianism. • **Prophet Zoroaster** — He founded Zoroastrianism in ancient Persia, whose sacred scriptures are compiled within the Avesta. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sikhs]: Their holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib; [Jains]: Their scriptures are called Agamas; [Jews]: Their texts include the Torah and Talmud.

Correct Answer: B. Ramanuja

• **Ramanuja** = The 'Vishishtadvaita' or 'qualified non-dualism' school of philosophy was pioneered by **Ramanuja**. • **Bhakti** — Ramanuja's philosophy emphasized devotion (Bhakti) to Vishnu as the primary means to achieve spiritual liberation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Vallabhacharya]: Founded Shuddhadvaita; [Adi Shankara]: Propounded Advaita; [Madhvacharya]: Founded Dvaita.

Correct Answer: D. Fourth Council

• **Fourth Council** = The **Fourth Council** of Buddhism resulted in the formal split between the Hinayana and Mahayana sects. • **King Kanishka** — This significant council, held in Kashmir under his patronage, formalized the division between the two major Buddhist schools. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [First Council]: Codified Buddha's teachings after his death; [Second Council]: Dealt with monastic discipline and an early schism; [Third Council]: Convened by Emperor Ashoka to purify the Sangha.

Correct Answer: A. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism

• **Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism** = The concept of 'Karma' is common to **Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism**, referring to the law of cause and effect. • **Dharmic religions** — Karma is a foundational concept across these major Dharmic religions, providing an ethical framework for actions and their consequences. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Only Hinduism]: Incorrect, as Buddhism and Jainism also share this concept; [Only Buddhism]: Incorrect, as Hinduism and Jainism also share this concept; [Only Sikhism]: Incorrect, as while Sikhism has a similar concept, it is not exclusive and the term 'Karma' is foundational to the other three.

Correct Answer: B. Bengal

• **Bengal** = The 'Navya-Nyaya' or 'New Logic' school was established and flourished significantly in the **Bengal** region during the medieval period. • **Gangesha Upadhyaya** — He founded the Navya-Nyaya school in Mithila, which later saw its major flourishing and development in Nadia, Bengal. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Gujarat]: Not a primary center for Navya-Nyaya; [Kerala]: Known for Advaita Vedanta; [Punjab]: Associated with Sikh and Sufi traditions.

Correct Answer: B. Monks not wearing any clothes

• **Monks not wearing any clothes** = The 'Digambara' sect of Jainism is primarily characterized by its **monks not wearing any clothes**, symbolizing complete detachment from worldly possessions. • **Southern parts of India** — The Digambara tradition is more prevalent in this region, known for its stricter code of conduct and ascetic practices. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Wearing yellow robes]: Not characteristic of Digambara Jains, usually associated with Buddhist monks; [Worshipping idols only]: Both Jain sects worship idols; [Rejecting Mahavira]: Incorrect, both major Jain sects revere Mahavira.

Correct Answer: B. Mundaka Upanishad

• **Mundaka Upanishad** = The **Mundaka Upanishad** contains the famous phrase 'Satyameva Jayate', meaning 'Truth alone triumphs'. • **National motto of India** — 'Satyameva Jayate' serves as India's national motto, inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the national emblem. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Isha Upanishad]: Known for spiritual and worldly integration; [Chandogya Upanishad]: Contains 'Tat Tvam Asi'; [Katha Upanishad]: Features the Yama-Nachiketa dialogue.

Correct Answer: A. Shaivism

• **Shaivism** = The 'Siddhant Shastras' (specifically Shaiva Siddhanta Agamas) are the primary texts for **Shaivism**, a major sect of Hinduism. • **28 core Agamas** — Shaiva Siddhanta, a prominent school within Shaivism, relies on these Agamas and their commentaries as its foundational texts. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Ganapatya]: Devoted to Ganesha, with its own specific texts; [Vaishnavism]: Devoted to Vishnu, relying on Vaishnava Agamas and Puranas; [Shaktism]: Devoted to the Goddess, primarily using Tantras and Puranas.

Correct Answer: B. Dvaita

• **Dvaita** = The philosopher Madhvacharya is the founder of the **Dvaita** (dualism) theological school, advocating strict distinction between God and souls. • **Udupi Krishna Matha** — Madhvacharya's teachings led to the establishment of this significant monastic center, a key seat of Dvaita philosophy. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Shuddhadvaita]: Founded by Vallabhacharya; [Vishishtadvaita]: Founded by Ramanuja; [Advaita]: Founded by Adi Shankara.