UPSC Prelims 2023 Q47: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
"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?
- (a) Buddhism
- (b) Jainism
- (c) Shaivism
- (d) Vaishnavism
Answer: (b) Jainism
Explanation
Jainism — souls (jiva) in all of nature
Jainism holds that jiva (soul) exists not only in humans, animals and plants, but also in earth, water, fire and air.
| Jain category | Example | Senses |
|---|---|---|
| Ekendriya (one-sense) | Earth, water, fire, air bodies, plants | Touch only |
| Two to four senses | Worms, ants, bees | Increasing senses |
| Five senses | Animals, humans | All five |
This belief explains strict ahimsa: Jain monks sweep their path, filter water and avoid harming even tiny beings.
Religions in the options:
| Sect | Core belief |
|---|---|
| Buddhism | Anatta — no permanent soul |
| Jainism | Souls in rocks, water and other natural objects |
| Shaivism | Devotion to Shiva |
| Vaishnavism | Devotion to Vishnu and his avatars |
Answer: (b) Jainism.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Buddhism teaches anatta (no permanent self), so it does not give souls to rocks.
- (b) CORRECT. Jainism believes even earth, water and rocks have souls, the basis of its strict ahimsa.
- (c) Incorrect. Shaivism is devotion to Shiva; it has no doctrine of souls in rocks and water.
- (d) Incorrect. Vaishnavism centres on devotion to Vishnu, not souls in natural objects.
Key point
Jainism: jiva exists even in earth, water, fire, air and plants (one-sensed beings) — hence extreme ahimsa.
Remember
Jainism believes rocks and water also have souls.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Buddhism because both stress non-violence; Buddhism denies a permanent soul.
- Not knowing the Jain idea of one-sensed beings (ekendriya) in earth and water.
- Confusing Jain jiva with the Hindu idea of atman found in living beings only.
Exam tip
Souls in rocks and water = Jainism. No other Indian tradition extends life that far.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)
- NCERT Class VI — Our Pasts I (New Questions and Ideas)