Buddhism & Jainism — Set 6
Indian History · बौद्ध और जैन धर्म · Questions 51–60 of 90
The philosophy of 'Madhyamaka' (The Middle Way) was propounded by:
Correct Answer: C. Nagarjuna
• **Nagarjuna** = founder of **Madhyamaka** (Middle Way) school; key Mahayana philosopher (~2nd century CE). • Core doctrine: **Shunyata** (Emptiness) — all phenomena lack inherent/independent existence. • Wrote **Mulamadhyamakakarika**; considered 'second Buddha' by Mahayana Buddhists. • 💡 Dharmakirti/Dinnaga = Buddhist logicians (Pramana/epistemology school); Asanga = founded Yogacara/Vijnanavada school — none founded Madhyamaka; Nagarjuna alone did.
Which was the last of the 24 Tirthankaras?
Correct Answer: D. Mahavira
• **Mahavira** = 24th and last Tirthankara of current cosmic cycle; reorganized Jain community. • Contemporary of Gautama Buddha; born ~**599 BCE** in Kundagrama, attained Nirvana ~527 BCE at Pavapuri. • Added 5th vow (Brahmacharya) to Parshvanatha's 4; organized the fourfold Jain Sangha. • 💡 Rishabhanatha = 1st Tirthankara; Parshvanatha = 23rd; Arishtanemi (Neminatha) = 22nd — Mahavira alone is the 24th and last.
The concept of 'Pratitya-Samutpada' (Dependent Origination) is central to:
Correct Answer: C. Buddhism
• **Pratitya-Samutpada** = Dependent Origination; all phenomena arise dependent on other phenomena. • Expressed through **12 Nidanas** (links): Ignorance → Formations → Consciousness →. → Old age/Death. • Central to understanding Samsara (rebirth cycle) and the path to breaking it through Nirvana. • 💡 Jainism = Karma + Jiva/Ajiva doctrine; Vedanta = Brahman-Atman unity; Yoga = Purusha-Prakriti separation — Pratitya-Samutpada is exclusively a Buddhist doctrine.
Where was the Second Jain Council held?
Correct Answer: A. Vallabhi
• **Second Jain Council** held at **Vallabhi, Gujarat** (~5th–6th century CE). • Led by **Devardhi Kshamashramana**; finalized and committed Jain Agamas to writing for the first time. • First Council was at Pataliputra (~300 BCE); Second Council preserved texts after oral tradition weakened. • 💡 Pataliputra = First Jain Council; Vaishali = Buddhist 2nd Council; Rajgriha = Buddhist 1st Council — Vallabhi alone is the Second Jain Council site.
Which vows did Mahavira add to the four vows of Parshvanatha?
Correct Answer: A. Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
• **Brahmacharya** (celibacy) = 5th vow added by Mahavira to Parshvanatha's original 4 vows. • Parshvanatha's 4 vows: **Ahimsa** (non-violence) + **Satya** (truth) + **Asteya** (non-stealing) + **Aparigraha** (non-possession). • The 5 vows (Pancha Mahavrata) are binding on monks; lay Jains follow lighter versions (Anuvratas). • 💡 Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya = already in Parshvanatha's 4 vows; Brahmacharya alone is Mahavira's addition.
Which Buddhist Mudra signifies 'calling the earth to witness'?
Correct Answer: A. Bhumisparsha Mudra
• **Bhumisparsha Mudra** = 'earth-touching gesture'; right hand touches ground, calling earth to witness. • Represents Buddha's enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and his defeat of **Mara** (the tempter). • Most common mudra in Buddhist sculpture; seen prominently in Gandhara and Mathura schools of art. • 💡 Dharmachakra Mudra = teaching/First Sermon (both hands raised); Varada = gift-giving (palm open downward); Abhaya = fearlessness/protection (palm raised) — Bhumisparsha alone is 'earth-touching' enlightenment mudra.
The 'Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves' in Odisha are primarily associated with:
Correct Answer: D. Jainism
• **Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves** (Odisha) = Jain rock-cut caves; patronized by King **Kharavela** of Kalinga (~1st century BCE). • **Hathigumpha Inscription** (in Khandagiri) is a key source on Kharavela's conquests and Jain patronage. • Udayagiri = 'Sunrise Hill' (18 caves); Khandagiri = 'Broken Hill' (15 caves); carved for Jain monks. • 💡 Buddhism = Ajanta/Karle caves; Shaivism = Elephanta caves; Vaishnavism = Deogarh/Badami cave temples — Udayagiri-Khandagiri is exclusively Jain.
What is the term for the 'Great Departure' of Buddha from his palace?
Correct Answer: B. Mahabhinishkramana
• **Mahabhinishkramana** = Great Renunciation/Great Departure; Siddhartha left royal life at age **29**. • Triggered by the **Four Sights**: old man, sick man, corpse, and wandering ascetic. • Rode horse Kanthaka with charioteer Channa; escaped Kapilavastu at night without waking family. • 💡 Dhammachakkappavattana = First Sermon (not departure); Mahaparinirvana = Buddha's death at 80; Sambodhi = Enlightenment — Mahabhinishkramana specifically means the Great Renunciation.
Which of the following is considered a 'Heterodox' school of Indian philosophy?
Correct Answer: B. Jainism
• **Jainism** = Heterodox (Nastika) school; rejects Vedic authority and the idea of a Creator God. • 3 Nastika (heterodox) schools: **Buddhism, Jainism, Charvaka** — all reject the Vedas. • 6 Astika (orthodox) schools: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta — all accept Vedas. • 💡 Yoga, Mimamsa, Nyaya = all Astika (accept Vedas) — they are orthodox; Jainism alone among the options is Nastika/heterodox.
Who was the mother of Mahavira?
Correct Answer: B. Trishala
• **Trishala** = mother of Mahavira; Lichchhavi princess and sister of Chetaka (Vaishali republic head). • Saw **14 auspicious dreams** before Mahavira's birth — dreams interpreted as signs of a great soul. • Mahavira's father was **Siddhartha**, chief of the Jnatrika (Lichchhavi sub-clan) in Kundagrama. • 💡 Mahamaya = mother of Gautama Buddha (not Mahavira); Yashoda = Krishna's foster mother; Prajapati = Mahaprajapati Gautami (Buddha's stepmother) — Trishala alone is Mahavira's mother.