About the Topic: Division of Jainism explains the origin, beliefs and differences between the Digambara and Svetambara sects. Practice MCQ Questions with answers and detailed explanations for UPSC and other competitive examinations.
Who was the first founder of Shwetambar creed during the first partition of Jain creed?
Correct Answer:
(A) Sthulabhadra
About 150 years after Lord Mahavira’s departure, when Bhadrabahuswami was the head of the religious order and Nand dynasty was ruling over Magadha, Pataliputra the capital city became the centre of learning and knowledge. At that time there occurred a severe famine that seems to have raged for 12 long years. During that period of shortage and scarcity, it was hard for Jain monks to observe the code of conduct laid down by the Lord. Bhadrabahuswami, therefore, decided to migrate to the South along with many followers. For those who stayed behind, it was hard to remember accurately whatever they learnt. Venerable Sthulabhadra and most of those who stayed in the north used to cover their bodies with a plain, white cloth; while those who had migrated with Bhadrabahuswami were mostly unclad. The latter took pride in their being true unclad followers of the Lord and in due course came to be known as Digamabars which means skyclad. Those on the other side came to be known as Shwetamabars on account of white cloth that they wore.
Ques: 2
The Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Shvetambara and Digambara. This division occurred mainly due to:
Correct Answer:
(A) Famine in Magadha
The Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Shvetambara and Digambara. This division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadh, which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya to move to South India (Shravan Belgola) in 298 BC.
Ques: 3
Consider the following statements:
1. Shvetambaras stress the practice of nudity as an absolute pre-requisite to the attainment of salvation.
2. Digambaras believe that a woman lacks the adamantine body and rigid will, which are necessary to attain moksha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(B) 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: Digambaras stress the practice of nudity as an absolute pre-requisite to the mendicant’s path and to the attainment of salvation. However, the Shvetambaras assert that the practice of complete nudity is not essential to attain liberation.
Statement 2 is correct: Digambaras believe that a woman lacks the adamantine body and rigid will, which are necessary to attain moksha. Shvetambaras, on the other hand, hold the contrary view and maintain that women are capable in the present lifetime.
Ques: 4
Identify the term used by Shvetambaras for the biographies of great teachers?
Correct Answer:
(A) Charita
The Shvetambaras use the term ‘Charitra’, and the Digambaras use the term ‘Purana’ for the biographies of great teachers.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements:
1. When Bhadrabahu left for South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers.
2. Sthulabahu changed the code of conduct and said that white clothes could be worn.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
When Bhadrabahu migrated to South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers. This division led to a split in Jainism, resulting in the Digambara sect (sky-clad) in the South and the Svetambara sect (white-clad) in the North. Sthulabahu's followers were allowed to wear white clothes, while Digambaras followed the practice of going naked. This division is also linked to the historical famine in Magadha and the subsequent migration of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya.