Jainism MCQ: Tirthankaras, Parshvanath & Mahavira's Early Life

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The word 'Jain' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Jin'. What does 'Jin' mean?

   • A.The Creator
   • B.The Winner✓ Correct Answer
   • C.The Knowledgeable
   • D.The Liberated

   Explanation: The word 'Jain' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Jin' which means the winner (Vijeta).

2. Q2.Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?

   • A.Parshvanath
   • B.Mahavira
   • C.Rishabhdev✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Ajitnath

   Explanation: The first Tirthankara of Jainism was Rishabhdev. His other names are Rishabhnath, Adinath, and Vrishabhnath.

3. Q3.Which two Jain Tirthankaras are mentioned in the Rig Veda?

   • A.Rishabhdev and Mahavira
   • B.Rishabhdev and Arishtanemi✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Parshvanath and Mahavira
   • D.Ajitnath and Rishabhdev

   Explanation: Rishabhdev and Arishtanemi are mentioned in the Rig Veda.

4. Q4.Where was Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, born?

   • A.Ayodhya
   • B.Vaishali
   • C.Kashi (Varanasi)✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Pataliputra

   Explanation: Parshvanath was born in Kashi (Varanasi). His father Ashwasen was the king of Kashi.

5. Q5.What is the symbol of the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath?

   • A.Lion
   • B.Bull
   • C.Elephant
   • D.Snake✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The symbol of Parshvanath is Snake.

6. Q6.Which of the following was NOT one of the four restraints taught by Parshvanath?

   • A.Ahimsa (Non-violence)
   • B.Brahmacharya (Celibacy)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Satya (Truth)
   • D.Aparigraha (Non-possession)

   Explanation: Parshvanath asked his followers to follow four restraints: Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Asteya, and Satya. Brahmacharya was added later by Mahavira.

7. Q7.Where was Mahavira Swami born?

   • A.Pavapuri
   • B.Lumbini
   • C.Kundagram✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Rajgriha

   Explanation: Mahavira Swami was born in Kundagram near Vaishali about 540 BC.

8. Q8.What was the childhood name of Mahavira Swami?

   • A.Siddhartha
   • B.Vardhaman✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rahul
   • D.Rishabh

   Explanation: Mahavir Swamy's childhood name was Vardhaman.

9. Q9.Mahavira Swami's mother Trishala was the sister of which ruler?

   • A.Bimbisara
   • B.Chetaka✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Prasenjit
   • D.Ashoka

   Explanation: His mother Trishala was the sister of Chetaka, the head of Lichchhavi Republic.

10. Q10.Under which tree did Mahavira Swami attain Kaivalya (Complete Knowledge)?

    • A.Peepal
    • B.Banyan
    • C.Sal✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Bodhi

    Explanation: Mahavira Swami obtained the Kaivalya under a tree of Sal on the bank of Rijupalika river.

11. Q11.Who founded the 'Ajivaka' sect?

    • A.Jamali
    • B.Makkhali Gosala✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Bhadrabahu
    • D.Sthulabhadra

    Explanation: Makkhali Gosala was a disciple of Mahavira but later founded his own creed 'Ajivaka'.

12. Q12.The belief of the Ajivaka sect is known as 'Niyatiwad', which means:

    • A.Everything is an illusion
    • B.Everything is controlled by karma
    • C.Everything is controlled by destiny✓ Correct Answer
    • D.God controls the universe

    Explanation: The belief of the sect is known as 'Niyatiwad' according to which every matter in the world is being controlled and operated by destiny (fate).

13. Q13.What is 'Syadvad' also known as?

    • A.Niyatiwad
    • B.Saptabhangi Naya✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Sunyavada
    • D.Advaita

    Explanation: Syadvad is also known as the name of Saptabhangi Naya, which means knowledge is relative.

14. Q14.In Jainism, 'Triratna' (Three Jewels) refers to:

    • A.Right Belief, Right Conduct, Right Knowledge✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
    • C.Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya
    • D.Knowledge, Devotion, Karma

    Explanation: Three means are said to be important for attaining Moksha in Jain philosophy: Right Belief, Right Conduct and Right Knowledge. These are called 'Ratnatraya'.

15. Q15.Where was the first Jain Sabha held?

    • A.Vallabhi
    • B.Rajgriha
    • C.Pataliputra✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Vaishali

    Explanation: First Jain Sabha was held in Pataliputra in the fourth century (310 BC) presided by Sthulbhadra.

16. Q16.Who presided over the second Jain assembly held in Vallabhi?

    • A.Sthulbhadra
    • B.Bhadrabahu
    • C.Devardhigan✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sambhootvijay

    Explanation: The second Jain assembly was held in Vallabhi and presided by Devardhigan or Kshamashraman.

17. Q17.The followers of Bhadrabahu came to be known as:

    • A.Shwetambaras
    • B.Digambaras✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Ajivikas
    • D.Theravadins

    Explanation: Those who migrated with Bhadrabahuswami were mostly unclad... and came to be known as Digambaras.

18. Q18.Which Jain text was written by Bhadrabahu?

    • A.Kalpasutra✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Parishisht Parvan
    • C.Dravya Sangrah
    • D.Nyayavtar

    Explanation: Kalpasutra was composed by Bhadrabahu.

19. Q19.According to the Shwetambara sect, which Tirthankara was a woman?

    • A.Neminath
    • B.Mallinath✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Naminath
    • D.Shantinath

    Explanation: According to Shwetambara opinion, the 19th Tirthankara Mallinath was a woman.

20. Q20.Who built the huge Jain statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwar) at Shravanabelagola?

    • A.Rachamall IV
    • B.Chamundaraya✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Kharwel
    • D.Bhimdev I

    Explanation: Prime minister named Chamundaraya built a huge Jain statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwar) in 981 A.D.