2004 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies
Question 26: History and Culture
With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct?
aJainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu
bThe Jains who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Svetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra
cJainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC
dIn the initial stage of Jainism, the Jains worshipped images unlike Buddhists
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Kharavela, the Jain king of Kalinga in the first century BC, patronised Jainism, as his Hathigumpha inscription at Udayagiri records. Jainism spread to the south under Bhadrabahu, not Sthalabahu; his followers became the Digambaras, while those who stayed north under Sthulabhadra became the Svetambaras. Kharavela's inscription is the firm, dated evidence behind the answer.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The leader of the southward move was Bhadrabahu, not Sthalabahu.
- (b) Those who stayed under Sthulabhadra, not Bhadrabahu, became the Svetambaras.
- (c) Correct: Kharavela of Kalinga patronised Jainism in the first century BC.
- (d) The key rejects this; the claim is too sweeping to be the safe answer.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.