GS PrelimsHistory (Ancient India)Jainism2004

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 Jain's who remained under the leadership of Bhadra bahu were called Shvetambaras 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 Jain's worshipped images unlike Buddhists.

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1 Statement (A) is incorrect. According to tradition, Jainism spread to South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu, especially during a great famine in Magadha. Sthalabahu remained in the North. 2 Statement (B) is considered correct by the answer key. It suggests that the followers of Bhadrabahu (who migrated South and maintained stricter practices, including nudity) were later termed Digambaras ('sky-clad'), while those who stayed in the North under Sthalabahu adopted white garments and were called Shvetambaras ('white-clad') after the Council held at Pataliputra. (Note: The traditional account associates the split and naming with events surrounding the Pataliputra council, though the timeline and exact nature of the split are debated by historians). 3 Statement (C) is correct. The Hathigumpha inscription indicates that King Kharavela of Kalinga (modern Odisha), in the first century BC, was a patron of Jainism. 4 Statement (D) is incorrect. Early Jainism, like early Buddhism, was generally aniconic (did not worship images). Idol worship developed later in both traditions. Therefore, the answer key selecting B implies that C must be incorrect for some reason (perhaps dating Kharavela differently?) or that B is considered the 'most correct' description among the options regarding early Jainism's schism.

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