UPSC Prelims 2004 Q26: Ancient History – Buddhism & Jainism
With reference to ancient Jainism,
which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu
- (b) The Jains who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Svetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra
- (c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC
- (d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jains worshipped images unlike Buddhists
Answer: (c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC
Explanation
Ancient Jainism
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Spread in the South under Sthalabahu | False: it was Bhadrabahu who led the Jains to the South |
| b. Bhadrabahu's followers called Svetambaras | False: they became the Digambaras |
| c. Patronage of Kharavela of Kalinga in the first century BC | True — the Hathigumpha inscription |
| d. Initially Jains worshipped images unlike Buddhists | False: image worship came later among the Jains |
Only statement (c) is correct: Kharavela of Kalinga patronised Jainism in the first century BC.
Answer: (c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bhadrabahu, not Sthalabahu, led the migration to the South.
- (b) Incorrect. Bhadrabahu's followers became Digambaras.
- (c) CORRECT. Kharavela patronised Jainism.
- (d) Incorrect. Image worship developed later.
Key point
Jain schism: Bhadrabahu (Digambara, South), Sthulabhadra (Svetambara, Pataliputra council).
Remember
Kharavela of Kalinga was a patron of Jainism.
Common mistakes
- Swapping Svetambara and Digambara leaders.
- Naming Sthalabahu for Bhadrabahu.
- Believing early Jains worshipped images.
Exam tip
Hathigumpha inscription: Kharavela, Udayagiri hills, Odisha.
Sources
- R. S. Sharma — Ancient India (NCERT textbook for Class XI)
- Romila Thapar — A History of India, Volume 1 (Penguin)