Jainism MCQ: Mahavira's Family, the Fifth Vow & Jain Councils

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

1. Q1.Which Mauryan ruler is described as a patron of Jainism in Jain literature?

   • A.Ashoka
   • B.Bindusara
   • C.Samprati✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Dasaratha

   Explanation: In the Jain literature, the Grandson of Ashoka, Samprati, is described as the patron of Jainism.

2. Q2.Dilwara Jain temple of Mount Abu is made of which material?

   • A.Sandstone
   • B.Granite
   • C.Marble✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Brick

   Explanation: Dilwara Jain temple of Mount Abu is made of marbles.

3. Q3.What is the symbol of Mahavira Swami?

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

   Explanation: The symbol of Mahavira Swami is Lion.

4. Q4.Who were the last persons to know about the ancient Jain texts of the 14 Purvas?

   • A.Sthulabhadra and Sambhootvijay
   • B.Sambhootvijay and Bhadrabahu✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Bhadrabahu and Sudharman
   • D.Jambu and Sthulabhadra

   Explanation: Sambhootvijay and Bhadrabahu were the last persons to know about the ancient Jain texts of the 14 Purvas.

5. Q5.Which festival is held at Shravanabelagola every 12 years?

   • A.Mahaparinirvana
   • B.Mahamastak-abhishek✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Kaivalya Day
   • D.Deepawali

   Explanation: Mahamastak-abhishek is an important festival of Jainism, which is held at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka State every 12 years.

6. Q6.Who was the wife of Mahavira Swami?

   • A.Trishala
   • B.Yashoda✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Yashodhara
   • D.Mahamaya

   Explanation: Mahavira Swami's wife's name was Yashoda (daughter of Kundinya Gotra).

7. Q7.What was the name of Mahavira Swami's daughter?

   • A.Sanghamitra
   • B.Anojja (Priyadarshana)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Gopa
   • D.Sujata

   Explanation: They had a daughter named Anojja (Priyadarshana). She was married to Jamali.

8. Q8.Where did Mahavira Swami attain Nirvana?

   • A.Pavapuri✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Kundagram
   • C.Vaishali
   • D.Sravasti

   Explanation: He attained Nirvana at the age of (approx) 72 years in 527 BC in Pavapuri, located near Rajgriha.

9. Q9.Which vow was added by Mahavira Swami to the four vows of Parshvanath?

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

   Explanation: Parshvanath asked his followers to follow four restraints. Brahmacharya was added later by Mahavira.

10. Q10.In Jainism, 'Kaivalya' refers to:

    • A.Nirvana
    • B.Complete Knowledge✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Death
    • D.Renunciation

    Explanation: The word 'Kaivalya' is used for 'Complete knowledge' in Jain religion.

11. Q11.Who was the first President of the Jain Sangha after the death of Mahavira?

    • A.Jambu
    • B.Bhadrabahu
    • C.Sudharman✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sthulabhadra

    Explanation: After the death of Mahavira, Sudharman became the first president of Jain Sangha.

12. Q12.Who presided over the First Jain Sabha?

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

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

13. Q13.Where was the Second Jain Sabha held?

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

    Explanation: The second Jain assembly was held in the sixth century (512 AD) in Vallabhi.

14. Q14.How many 'Angas' are there in Jain literature?

    • A.10
    • B.12✓ Correct Answer
    • C.14
    • D.18

    Explanation: Jain literature is called 'Aagam'. It consists of 12 Angas.

15. Q15.Which Jain sect believes that women cannot attain Moksha?

    • A.Shwetambara
    • B.Digambara✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Sthanakvasi
    • D.Terapanthi

    Explanation: According to Digambara opinion, salvation (Moksha) is not possible for a woman.

16. Q16.Who built the Viharas at Udaygiri and Khandagiri for Jain monks?

    • A.Ashoka
    • B.Kharwel✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Samprati
    • D.Bimbisara

    Explanation: Kharwel, the Chedi ruler of Kalinga... built Vihars for the residence of Jain monks by cutting down the hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri.

17. Q17.What is the symbol of the first Tirthankara Rishabhdev?

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

    Explanation: The symbol of Rishabhdev is Bull.

18. Q18.What is the symbol of Ajitnath?

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

    Explanation: The symbol of Ajitnath is Elephant.

19. Q19.Who wrote the Jain text 'Kalpasutra'?

    • A.Hemchandra
    • B.Bhadrabahu✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Sthulabhadra
    • D.Nemichandra

    Explanation: Kalpasutra was composed by Bhadrabahu.

20. Q20.Who is the author of 'Parishisht Parvan'?

    • A.Bhadrabahu
    • B.Hemchandra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Mallisen
    • D.Umaswami

    Explanation: Parishisht Parvan was composed by Hemchandra.