UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I
Question 47: History and Culture
"Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The belief that souls reside not only in animals and plants but also in rocks, running water and other natural objects is a core Jain doctrine. Jainism teaches that souls (jiva) exist even in one-sensed beings such as earth, water, fire, air and plants, which is why it stresses ahimsa so strictly. Buddhism denies a permanent soul, and Shaivism and Vaishnavism are devotional traditions without this doctrine.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Buddhism denies a permanent soul (anatta).
- (b) Correct: Jainism holds that souls pervade even earth, water, fire and air bodies.
- (c) Shaivism centres on devotion to Shiva, not this doctrine.
- (d) Vaishnavism centres on devotion to Vishnu, not this doctrine.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.