To which southern location did the migrating monks travel?
- Madurai
- Shravanabelagola
- Kanchipuram
- Halebidu
Explanation: Bhadrabahu led his followers to Shravanabelagola in present-day Karnataka.
Sthanakavasis strictly avoid reading Jain scriptures that mention or support...
- Monastic rules
- Pure philosophy
- Ethical codes
- Idol worship
Explanation: Because they vehemently reject idol worship, Sthanakavasis do not recognize or study Agamic texts that reference it.
Who presided over the crucial Council of Valabhi?
- Kundakunda
- Sthulabhadra
- Devardhi Kshamasramana
- Bhadrabahu
Explanation: The 5th-century Council of Valabhi was presided over by the prominent Svetambara monk Devardhi Kshamasramana.
How do strict Digambara monks eat their daily food?
- Wooden bowls
- Cupped hands
- Silver spoons
- Clay plates
Explanation: Digambara ascetics strictly avoid using any utensils; they stand and accept food directly into their cupped hands.
Svetambara Murtipujaka idols of Tirthankaras are often prominently adorned with...
- Peacock feathers
- Iron chains
- Wooden beads
- Glass eyes
Explanation: Svetambara Murtipujakas decorate their temple idols with glass eyes, silver, gold, and extensive jewelry.
The modern Kanji Swami Panth is primarily an offshoot of the...
- Yapaniya sect
- Sthanakavasi
- Svetambara sect
- Digambara sect
Explanation: Kanji Swami left the Svetambara sect, adopted Digambara texts (like Samayasara), and created a new reformist movement.
Digambaras believe the temple idols of Tirthankaras should be...
- Painted white
- Completely naked
- Wearing crowns
- Beautifully decorated
Explanation: Digambara idols depict Tirthankaras in a state of absolute detachment, naked and without any ornaments.
The gender of which Tirthankara is disputed between the sects?
- Mahavira
- Neminatha
- Mallinatha
- Parshvanatha
Explanation: The gender of the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinatha, is a major point of theological dispute.
Which major sect extensively reveres and studies the 'Kalpa Sutra'?
- Svetambara
- Digambara
- Taranpanthi
- Bisapanthi
Explanation: The Kalpa Sutra, containing detailed biographies of the Tirthankaras, is highly sacred to the Svetambara sect.
Which Svetambara sub-sect actively worships idols in temples?
- Murtipujaka
- Terapanthi
- Taranpanthi
- Sthanakavasi
Explanation: The Murtipujakas (also called Deravasis) are the original Svetambara group that actively worships idols.
Which Digambara sect specifically uses fresh flowers and sweets for worship?
- Taranpanthi
- Terapanthi
- Bisapanthi
- Gumanapanthi
Explanation: Bisapanthis actively use fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets in their temple rituals, contrasting with other Digambara groups.
Who led the Jain monks to the south during the famine?
- Mahavira
- Bhadrabahu
- Kundakunda
- Sthulabhadra
Explanation: Acharya Bhadrabahu led a group of Jain monks to South India to escape the prolonged famine in Magadha.
The First Council of Pataliputra was organized primarily by...
- Yapaniyas
- Svetambaras
- Digambaras
- Buddhists
Explanation: Sthulabhadra organized the First Council of Pataliputra to compile the fading Jain scriptures.
Unlike Mula Sangh monks, Kashtha Sangh monks use a broom made of...
- Peacock feathers
- Cow tail hair
- Woolen threads
- Cotton strings
Explanation: Kashtha Sangh ascetics specifically use a 'picchi' (broom) made from naturally fallen cow tail hair.
The Digambara monastic lineage called 'Kashtha Sangh' was founded by...
- Bhadrabahu
- Jinasena
- Kumarasena
- Kundakunda
Explanation: Acharya Kumarasena founded the Kashtha Sangh, which became a prominent Digambara monastic order.
The Svetambara Terapanth sect was founded by...
- Bhadrabahu
- Lonka Saha
- Acharya Bhikshu
- Sthulabhadra
Explanation: Acharya Bhikshu (Swami Bhikkanaji) founded the Svetambara Terapanth sect in the 18th century.
Which Digambara sub-sect completely opposes idol worship, worshipping scriptures instead?
- Taranpanthi
- Terapanthi
- Mula Sangh
- Bisapanthi
Explanation: Founded by Taran Swami, the Taranpanthi sect rejects idol worship and instead reveres sacred Jain texts.
Which ancient sect bridged both Digambara and Svetambara practices?
- Kapalika
- Ajivika
- Yapaniya
- Charvaka
Explanation: The Yapaniya sect practiced nudity like Digambaras but accepted Svetambara texts and the belief in Stri-moksha.
Where do both sects agree that the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained Nirvana?
- Girnar
- Pavapuri
- Shikharji
- Mount Kailash
Explanation: Both sects unanimously agree that Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) achieved moksha at Mount Kailash (Ashtapada).
The wooden water pot carried by Digambara monks is called...
- Chamar
- Kamandalu
- Muhapatti
- Rajoharana
Explanation: Digambara monks carry a wooden water gourd called a Kamandalu for basic hygiene purposes.
Which group completely boycotted the First Council of Pataliputra?
- Digambaras
- Sthanakavasis
- Svetambaras
- Terapanthis
Explanation: The monks returning from the south (Digambaras) boycotted the council, refusing to accept the reconstructed scriptures.
Digambaras rely heavily on the authoritative texts written by...
- Kundakunda
- Sthulabhadra
- Acharya Bhikshu
- Lonka Saha
Explanation: In the absence of the original Agamas, Digambaras rely on later authoritative treatises by scholars like Acharya Kundakunda.
The Sthanakavasi sect performs prayers in prayer halls called...
- Chaityas
- Sthanaks
- Basadis
- Viharas
Explanation: As they reject temple building and idol worship, Sthanakavasis use simple community halls called Sthanaks.
The Council of Valabhi finalized the canonical scriptures of...
- Svetambaras
- Digambaras
- Neither sect
- Both sects
Explanation: The Second Council of Valabhi successfully codified the Agamas which are accepted only by the Svetambara sect.
Digambaras assert that upon attaining omniscience, a Kevalin sustains life without...
- Breathing air
- Consuming food
- Blinking eyes
- Drinking water
Explanation: Digambaras believe that an enlightened Kevalin's body becomes divine and requires no physical nourishment.
Which sect believes that Mahavira lived a married life?
- Sthanakavasi
- Svetambara
- Digambara
- Terapanthi
Explanation: Svetambaras believe Mahavira married Yashoda and had a daughter, while Digambaras believe he was a celibate youth.
Which Digambara sub-sect emerged by completely rejecting the authority of Bhattarakas?
- Bisapanthi
- Kashtha Sangh
- Mula Sangh
- Terapanthi Digambara
Explanation: The Digambara Terapanth arose in the 17th century as a strong rebellion against the powerful cleric administrators called Bhattarakas.
Which major Jain sect claims that the original 14 Purvas are lost?
- Digambara only
- Svetambara only
- Both major sects
- Neither major sect
Explanation: Both Digambaras and Svetambaras universally agree that the ancient knowledge of the 14 Purvas is completely lost.
Which sect's monks wear simple unstitched white cloth?
- Kapalika
- Digambara
- Ajivika
- Svetambara
Explanation: 'Sveta' means white and 'ambara' means cloth; Svetambara monks wear simple white unstitched garments.
Which kingdom experienced a 12-year famine, leading to the Jain schism?
- Kalinga
- Ujjain
- Magadha
- Taxila
Explanation: A severe 12-year famine in the Magadha region caused the initial division among Jain monks.
The Yapaniya sect, which merged both traditions, flourished mainly in which region?
- Karnataka
- Rajasthan
- Bihar
- Gujarat
Explanation: The Yapaniya sect was highly influential in the Karnataka region during the medieval period.
Digambaras claim the original 12 Agamas were...
- Partially preserved
- Preserved completely
- Hidden underground
- Completely lost
Explanation: Digambaras assert that the original texts (Purvas and Agamas) compiled by the Gandharas were completely lost over time.
Which Svetambara sub-sect prominently wears a cloth over their mouth?
- Murtipujaka
- Sthanakavasi
- Taranpanthi
- Bisapanthi
Explanation: Sthanakavasi monks continuously wear a white cloth (Muhapatti) over their mouths to avoid inhaling microorganisms.
Svetambara monks use a woolen broom known as...
- Kamandalu
- Danda
- Rajoharana
- Picchi
Explanation: Svetambara monks use a 'Rajoharana', a broom made of soft woolen threads, to avoid harming small insects.
Which Digambara sub-sect worships Yakshas and Yakshinis alongside Tirthankaras?
- Mula Sangh
- Taranpanthi
- Terapanthi
- Bisapanthi
Explanation: The Bisapanthi sub-sect of Digambaras permits the worship of minor guardian deities like Bhairava and Yakshinis.
Which sect believes a Kevalin (enlightened being) requires physical food to survive?
- Charvaka
- Digambara
- Svetambara
- Ajivika
Explanation: Svetambaras believe Kevalins still need normal physical food (Kevali-bhukti), while Digambaras completely reject this idea.
Which Svetambara sub-sect was established in the 18th century by Acharya Bhikshu?
- Sthanakavasi
- Terapanthi
- Murtipujaka
- Bisapanthi
Explanation: The Svetambara Terapanth sect was founded by Acharya Bhikshu (Swami Bhikkanaji) in 1760.
Who were the chief disciples that compiled Mahavira's oral teachings?
- Shravakas
- Gandharas
- Acharyas
- Upadhyayas
Explanation: The Gandharas were the immediate and chief disciples of the Tirthankara who compiled his divine sermons into the Agamas.
The five supreme spiritual vows taken by Jain monks are called...
- Shikshavratas
- Gunavratas
- Anuvratas
- Mahavratas
Explanation: Both Digambara and Svetambara ascetics must strictly adhere to the five 'Mahavratas' (Great Vows) for spiritual liberation.
The Svetambara sect believes the 19th Tirthankara was a...
- Woman
- Hermaphrodite
- Deity
- Man
Explanation: Svetambaras believe Mallinatha was a princess and a woman, whereas Digambaras insist all Tirthankaras were male.
Who presided over the Jain Council held at Mathura?
- Devardhi
- Sthulabhadra
- Bhadrabahu
- Skandila
Explanation: The eminent Svetambara monk Arya Skandila presided over the Mathura council to codify the texts.
Which Svetambara sub-sect is also commonly known as 'Deravasi'?
- Bisapanthi
- Terapanthi
- Sthanakavasi
- Murtipujaka
Explanation: Deravasi translates to 'temple dweller', explicitly referring to the Svetambara Murtipujaka practice of temple worship.
Who is the traditionally recognized author of the Kalpa Sutra?
- Kundakunda
- Sthulabhadra
- Mahavira
- Bhadrabahu
Explanation: Jain tradition attributes the direct authorship of the Kalpa Sutra to the ancient Acharya Bhadrabahu.
The Sthanakavasi sect fundamentally rejects the practice of...
- Fasting
- Idol worship
- Meditation
- Non-violence
Explanation: Sthanakavasis reject idol worship, arguing it is not mentioned in the original Jain Agamas.
Instead of fresh flowers, Digambara Terapanthis use what in their worship?
- Silver coins
- Dry rice
- Holy water
- Sandalwood paste
Explanation: To strictly avoid harming any insects or micro-organisms, Terapanthis use dry items like rice (Akshata) and cloves.
The highly respected practice of 'Sallekhana' (fasting to death) is...
- Digambara only
- Svetambara only
- Rejected completely
- Accepted by both
Explanation: Sallekhana (or Santhara) is a deeply respected final spiritual vow accepted by both major Jain sects.
Digambara Terapanthis strictly reject the worship of...
- Scriptures
- Gurus
- Tirthankaras
- Minor deities
Explanation: Digambara Terapanthis worship only Tirthankaras and strictly reject the worship of minor deities like Yakshas.
Who was the founder of the Digambara Gumanapanthi sub-sect?
- Bhadrabahu
- Banarasidas
- Gumaniram
- Kundakunda
Explanation: Pandit Gumaniram founded the strict Gumanapanthi sect in the 18th century, emphasizing pure conduct.
Who remained in the north during the severe famine?
- Rishabhanatha
- Sthulabhadra
- Kundakunda
- Bhadrabahu
Explanation: Sthulabhadra and his followers chose to stay in Magadha, adapting their practices to survive the famine.
Which philosophical text is primarily revered by the Digambara sect?
- Acharanga Sutra
- Kalpa Sutra
- Sutrakritanga
- Samayasara
Explanation: Written by Acharya Kundakunda, the Samayasara is a central and highly authoritative philosophical text for Digambaras.
The single Supreme Head of the Svetambara Terapanth sect is officially called...
- Tirthankara
- Upadhyaya
- Acharya
- Arihant
Explanation: The sect is highly organized under a single, supreme spiritual and administrative leader known as the Acharya.
The Yapaniya sect eventually merged completely into the...
- Digambara sect
- Ajivika sect
- Buddhists
- Svetambara sect
Explanation: Over the centuries, the Yapaniyas lost their independent identity and absorbed completely into the Digambara fold.
Who was the primary founder of the Sthanakavasi sect?
- Lonka Saha
- Kundakunda
- Acharya Bhikshu
- Banarasidas
Explanation: The Sthanakavasi sect was founded in the 15th century by Lonka Saha, a merchant and scholar.
Which sect believes Mahavira's embryo was miraculously transferred by a deity?
- Svetambara
- Terapanthi
- Sthanakavasi
- Digambara
Explanation: Svetambaras believe Lord Indra transferred Mahavira's embryo from a Brahmin woman to Queen Trishala.
Which sect firmly believes that women can attain Moksha?
- Charvaka
- Digambara
- Svetambara
- Ajivika
Explanation: The Svetambara sect believes women (Stri-moksha) can achieve spiritual liberation in their current lifetime.
Which major Jain council was held in the city of Mathura?
- Fourth Council
- First Council
- Second Council
- Third Council
Explanation: During the 4th century CE, two parallel second councils were held: one at Mathura and another at Valabhi.
The term 'Terapanthi' literally translates to the followers of...
- Thirteen principles
- Three jewels
- Ten principles
- Five vows
Explanation: 'Tera' means thirteen, referring to the 13 strict religious principles laid down by the founder, Acharya Bhikshu.
The original, most ancient lineage of Digambara monks is called...
- Mathura Sangh
- Mula Sangh
- Kashtha Sangh
- Yapaniya
Explanation: The Mula Sangh (Original Assembly) represents the primary and most ancient monastic lineage of the Digambara sect.
Digambara monks carry a broom (Picchi) made of...
- Cotton threads
- Palm leaves
- Human hair
- Peacock feathers
Explanation: Digambara monks use a 'Picchi' made of naturally fallen peacock feathers to gently sweep away insects.
The Digambara Terapanth sect was historically founded by...
- Kundakunda
- Acharya Bhikshu
- Lonka Saha
- Banarasidas
Explanation: Banarasidas, a 17th-century poet, was highly instrumental in the foundation of the Digambara Terapanth movement.