UPSC Prelims 2017 Q53: Ancient History – Buddhism & Jainism
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but
existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Buddhist sects and the Sarvastivadin doctrine
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism | Incorrect | Both were sects of Buddhism (early, non-Mahayana schools) |
| 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form | Correct | Sarvastivada means 'all exists': the elements exist in past, present and future |
Sects compared:
| Religion | Main sects |
|---|---|
| Buddhism | Sthaviravada (Theravada), Mahasanghika, Sarvastivada, Sautrantika, Sammitiya, Mahayana, Vajrayana |
| Jainism | Digambara and Shvetambara |
The Sarvastivadins were strong in Kashmir and Mathura and were patronised by Kanishka.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were Buddhist sects, not sects of Jainism.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2, on the Sarvastivadin doctrine, is right.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; Jainism's sects are Digambara and Shvetambara.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 correctly describes the Sarvastivadin view of phenomena.
Key point
Sautrantika, Sammitiya and Sarvastivada are Buddhist sects; Sarvastivada = 'all exists' in past, present and future; Jain sects are Digambara and Shvetambara.
Remember
Sarvastivada = 'all exists'; it is Buddhist.
Common mistakes
- Assuming unfamiliar Sanskrit sect names belong to Jainism.
- Thinking all Buddhists held that everything is wholly momentary.
- Forgetting that Kanishka's Fourth Buddhist Council was dominated by Sarvastivadins.
Exam tip
Jainism has only two main sects. Any other sect name in a question is almost surely Buddhist.
Sources
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India (Religion: Buddhism)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)