Jainism MCQ: Jain Doctrine, Chandragupta Maurya & the Palitana Temples

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

1. Q1.The 'Anant Chatustaya' in Jainism includes Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Perception, Infinite Power, and:

   • A.Infinite Life
   • B.Infinite Bliss✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Infinite Truth
   • D.Infinite Peace

   Explanation: 'Anant Chattushtya' in Jainism is 'Anant Gyan', 'Anant Darshan', 'Anant Virya' and 'Anant Anand' (infinite bliss).

2. Q2.Which Jain Tirthankara's symbol is the 'Conch' (Shankha)?

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

   Explanation: The symbol of Neminath is Shankha (Conch).

3. Q3.Who built the Dilwara Jain temple of Mount Abu?

   • A.Bhimdev I
   • B.Vimalshah✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chamundaraya
   • D.Vastupala

   Explanation: Dilwara Jain temple of Mount Abu... was built by the Samanta Vimalshah of Chalukya ruler Bhimdev I.

4. Q4.Who was the first woman to enter the Buddhist Sangh (as noted in the context of Jain chapter comparisons)?

   • A.Yashodhara
   • B.Mahaprajapati Gautami✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Amrapali
   • D.Mayadevi

   Explanation: Buddha's aunt (Mahaprajapati) who raised him as a mother was the first woman to enter the Buddhist Sangh.

5. Q5.Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Jainism?

   • A.Right Belief
   • B.Right Knowledge
   • C.Right Conduct
   • D.Right Speech✓ Correct Answer

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

6. Q6.Who was the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism?

   • A.Naminath
   • B.Arishtanemi (Neminath)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Parshvanath
   • D.Munisuvrata

   Explanation: The 22nd Tirthankara was Neminath or Arishtanemi.

7. Q7.In Jainism, 'Nirjara' refers to:

   • A.Inflow of Karma
   • B.Destruction of Karma✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Bondage of Karma
   • D.Stopping the inflow of Karma

   Explanation: The destruction of Karma is the Nirjara element.

8. Q8.Which Mauryan ruler migrated to the South with Bhadrabahu?

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

   Explanation: Though not explicitly named in the snippet, context implies Chandragupta Maurya (often associated with Bhadrabahu's migration). Note: The provided text mentions Bhadrabahu migrated but doesn't explicitly name Chandragupta in the snippet, but general history confirms. Based strictly on text, Bhadrabahu migrated.

9. Q9.What is the symbol of the Tirthankara Mallinath?

   • A.Blue Lotus
   • B.Kalash (Urn)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Swastik
   • D.Horse

   Explanation: The symbol of Mallinath is Kalash (Urn).

10. Q10.Which text is considered the 'Encyclopedia' of Jainism?

    • A.Kalpasutra
    • B.Nandi-sutra and Anuyogadvara-Sutra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Bhagavati Sutra
    • D.Acharanga Sutra

    Explanation: The two Chulikasutras (Nandi-sutra and Anuyogadvara-Sutra) are independent texts of Jains, which are a kind of encyclopedia.

11. Q11.On the banks of which river did Mahavira Swami attain Kaivalya (enlightenment)?

    • A.Ganga
    • B.Niranjana
    • C.Rijupalika✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Yamuna

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

12. Q12.What does the term 'Nirgranth' mean in the context of Mahavira Swami?

    • A.The Winner
    • B.The Worthy
    • C.Free from Bonds✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Complete Knowledge

    Explanation: After Kaivalya he was called Kevalin, Arhat (Yogya), Jin (Vijeta) and Nirgranth (Bandhan Rahit/Free from bonds).

13. Q13.Where did the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath attain Parinirvana?

    • A.Pavapuri
    • B.Mount Abu
    • C.Sammed Shikhar✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Girnar

    Explanation: Parshvanath attained Parinirvana on the Mount Sammed Shikhar or Sammet Shikhar.

14. Q14.Who was the first disciple of Mahavira Swami who later had a difference of opinion with him?

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

    Explanation: Jamali was Mahavira's son-in-law and became his first disciple but later separated due to differences. (Note: Text mentions Jamali married his daughter).

15. Q15.In Jainism, 'Sanvar' refers to:

    • A.Influx of Karma
    • B.Stopping the influx of Karma✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Destruction of Karma
    • D.Attainment of Moksha

    Explanation: Freedom from the bondage and effect of evil omens called Sanvar Tattva to make the spirit free from the bondage of all (Stopping influx).

16. Q16.Which language was used for the composition of the 12 Angas of Jainism?

    • A.Sanskrit
    • B.Pali
    • C.Ardha-Magadhi✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Apabhramsha

    Explanation: All the initial religious Jain literature has been written in... Prakrit language. Its twelve Angas are in 'Ardha-Magadhi'.

17. Q17.Who was the leader of the Jain monks who stayed in Magadha during the great famine?

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

    Explanation: Venerable Sthulabhadra and most of those who stayed in the north used to cover their bodies with a plain, white cloth.

18. Q18.What is the symbol of the 3rd Tirthankara Sambhavnath?

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

    Explanation: The symbol of Sambhavnath is Horse.

19. Q19.What is the symbol of the 6th Tirthankara Padmaprabha?

    • A.Lotus✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Swastik
    • C.Moon
    • D.Conch

    Explanation: The symbol of Padmaprabha is Lotus.

20. Q20.Where are the Palitana temples of Jainism located?

    • A.Mount Abu, Rajasthan
    • B.Shatrunjaya Hill, Gujarat✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Girnar Hill, Gujarat
    • D.Shravanabelagola, Karnataka

    Explanation: The Palitana temple of Jainism is located on Shatrunjaya hill near the city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.