2018 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I

Question 71: History and Culture

With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

aBuddhism
bJainism
cVaishnavism
dShaivism

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Sthanakvasi is a sect of Shvetambara Jainism whose followers do not worship idols and pray in halls called sthanaks. It is a living tradition of the non-idol-worshipping Shvetambara stream, alongside the Terapanthi. It has no connection with Buddhism, Vaishnavism or Shaivism, which have their own sects and orders.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Buddhism has no such sect.
  • (b) Right: Sthanakvasi is a Jain sect.
  • (c) Vaishnavism is a Hindu tradition with different sects.
  • (d) Shaivism is a Hindu tradition with different sects.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.