UPSC Prelims 2011 Q77: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
- (a) Universal Law
- (b) Universal Truth
- (c) Universal Faith
- (d) Universal Soul
Answer: (a) Universal Law
Explanation
Jain philosophy's view of the world's creation
Jainism is a non-theistic philosophy, differing fundamentally from creator-god traditions.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Universal Law | Correct | Jain philosophy holds the world is eternal and self-regulating, governed by an impersonal Universal Law (akin to natural/cosmic law), not a creator deity |
| (b) Universal Truth | Incorrect | This refers to epistemological/ethical concepts, not the Jain cosmological principle of world-maintenance |
| (c) Universal Faith | Incorrect | 'Faith' is not the Jain concept used to explain cosmic order and maintenance |
| (d) Universal Soul | Incorrect | This concept belongs more to Vedantic/Upanishadic thought (e.g., Brahman/Atman), not the Jain framework |
Jain cosmology basics:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Theism | Non-theistic; no creator god |
| Governing principle | Universal (natural) Law |
| World's nature | Considered eternal, not created at a point in time by a deity |
Answer: (a) Universal Law.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Jain philosophy attributes the world's creation and maintenance to an impersonal Universal Law, consistent with its non-theistic worldview.
- (b) Incorrect. Universal Truth relates to ethical/epistemic concepts, not this specific cosmological principle.
- (c) Incorrect. Universal Faith is not the Jain term for cosmic governance.
- (d) Incorrect. Universal Soul is a concept from Vedantic philosophy, not the Jain framework being asked about.
Key point
Jain philosophy is non-theistic: it holds that the world is eternal and governed by an impersonal UNIVERSAL LAW, not created or maintained by a creator god or a 'Universal Soul'.
Remember
Jain philosophy: the world is eternal, governed by Universal Law — not created/maintained by a god or a Universal Soul.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Jain non-theistic cosmology with Vedantic concepts like 'Universal Soul' (Brahman).
- Not recognising Jainism's core distinction from creator-god religious traditions.
- Mixing up ethical/epistemic terms ('truth', 'faith') with the specific cosmological principle asked about.
Exam tip
Jainism = non-theistic, world governed by an impersonal Universal Law — never a creator god or a 'Universal Soul' (that's Vedanta).
Sources
- Padmanabh S. Jaini — The Jaina Path of Purification (University of California Press, 1979)
- R. S. Sharma — Ancient India (NCERT textbook for Class XI)