1996 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 32: History and Culture

Which one of the following is not a part of early Jaina literature?

aTherigatha
bAcarangasutra
cSutrakritanga
dBrihatkalpasutra

AnswerThe answer is (a).

The Therigatha is a collection of verses by Buddhist nuns in the Pali canon (Khuddaka Nikaya), so it is Buddhist literature. Acarangasutra and Sutrakritanga are early Jaina Angas, and the Brihatkalpasutra is a Jaina Chheda-sutra on monastic rules. Remember: Therigatha - Buddhist nuns' verses; Acaranga - the first Jaina Anga.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right: the Therigatha is Buddhist, composed of verses of Buddhist nuns.
  • (b) The Acarangasutra is the first of the Jaina Angas.
  • (c) The Sutrakritanga is the second Jaina Anga.
  • (d) The Brihatkalpasutra is a Jaina text on monastic rules.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.