Jainism MCQ: Sanlekhana, Neminath & the Hathigumpha Inscription

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

1. Q1.The practice of 'Sanlekhana' or 'Santhara' is related to which religion?

   • A.Vedic Religion
   • B.Buddhism
   • C.Jainism✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Shaivism

   Explanation: Sanlekhana is a Jain religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing food and liquid intake.

2. Q2.Who was the mother of the first Tirthankara Rishabhdev?

   • A.Marudevi✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Trishala
   • C.Yashoda
   • D.Vama

   Explanation: Rishabhdev's mother was Marudevi and father was Nabhirai.

3. Q3.Which Jain Tirthankara is believed to be a relative of Lord Krishna?

   • A.Rishabhdev
   • B.Neminath (Arishtanemi)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Parshvanath
   • D.Mahavira

   Explanation: Arishtanemi (Neminath), the 22nd Tirthankara, is described in some texts as the cousin of Lord Krishna.

4. Q4.The famous Jain scholar Hemchandra was a patron of which ruler?

   • A.Amoghavarsha
   • B.Kumarapala✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chandragupta Maurya
   • D.Kanishka

   Explanation: Hemchandra was the advisor and patron of the Chalukya king Kumarapala.

5. Q5.Which of the following terms refers to 'Matter' or 'Atom' in Jain philosophy?

   • A.Jiva
   • B.Ajiva
   • C.Pudgala✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Nirjara

   Explanation: 'Pudgala' refers to matter or material substance in Jain philosophy.

6. Q6.The 'Sammed Shikhar' is a pilgrimage site associated with which Tirthankara?

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

   Explanation: Sammed Shikhar (Parasnath Hill) is associated with Parshvanath, who attained Nirvana there.

7. Q7.Which sect of Jainism allows monks to wear white clothes?

   • A.Digambara
   • B.Shwetambara✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Ajivika
   • D.Hinayana

   Explanation: The Shwetambara ('White-clad') sect allows monks to wear white robes.

8. Q8.Who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism?

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

   Explanation: Mahavira Swami was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.

9. Q9.What is the meaning of 'Asteya' in the context of Jain vows?

   • A.Non-violence
   • B.Truth
   • C.Non-stealing✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Celibacy

   Explanation: Asteya means not stealing.

10. Q10.Which ancient Indian text contains the 16 Mahajanapadas and is a Jain text?

    • A.Anguttara Nikaya
    • B.Bhagavati Sutra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Mahavastu
    • D.Divyavadana

    Explanation: The Jain text 'Bhagavati Sutra' mentions the 16 Mahajanapadas. (The Buddhist text is Anguttara Nikaya).

11. Q11.The 'Basadis' are associated with which religion in South India?

    • A.Buddhism
    • B.Hinduism
    • C.Jainism✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sikhism

    Explanation: Basadis are Jain shrines or temples found in Karnataka and South India.

12. Q12.Which principle implies 'Non-possession' or 'Non-attachment'?

    • A.Ahimsa
    • B.Satya
    • C.Asteya
    • D.Aparigraha✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Aparigraha means non-possession or non-attachment to worldly things.

13. Q13.The rock-cut caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri in Odisha are associated with:

    • A.Buddhism
    • B.Jainism✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Shaivism
    • D.Vaishnavism

    Explanation: These caves were built by King Kharavela for Jain monks.

14. Q14.Which of the following Tirthankaras was NOT a historical figure according to secular history?

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

    Explanation: Historians generally accept Mahavira and Parshvanath as historical figures. The historicity of others like Ajitnath is not archaeologically proven.

15. Q15.The 'Hathi Gumpha Inscription' describes the achievements of which Jain patron?

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

    Explanation: The Hathi Gumpha Inscription describes the achievements of the Chedi ruler Kharavela.

16. Q16.What is the symbol of the 16th Tirthankara Shantinath?

    • A.Deer (Hirana)✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Bull
    • C.Lion
    • D.Tortoise

    Explanation: The symbol of Shantinath is Deer (Hirana).

17. Q17.In Jainism, 'Ashrava' refers to:

    • A.Inflow of Karma into the soul✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Stopping Karma
    • C.Burning Karma
    • D.Liberation

    Explanation: Ashrava is the inflow of karmic matter into the soul.

18. Q18.Which mountain is considered the place of 'Nirvana' for 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras?

    • A.Mount Abu
    • B.Girnar
    • C.Parasnath (Sammed Shikhar)✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kailash

    Explanation: Parasnath Hill or Sammed Shikhar is believed to be the place where 20 Tirthankaras attained Nirvana.

19. Q19.The Jain text 'Kalpasutra' is written in which language?

    • A.Sanskrit✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Prakrit
    • C.Pali
    • D.Hindi

    Explanation: Bhadrabahu's Kalpasutra is written in Sanskrit (unlike earlier Agamas in Ardha-Magadhi/Prakrit).

20. Q20.Which of the following is NOT a sect of the Shwetambara tradition?

    • A.Pujerapa (Deravasi)
    • B.Dhundhiya (Sthanakvasi)
    • C.Terapanthi
    • D.Bispanthi✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Bispanthi is a sub-sect of the Digambara tradition. The others (Deravasi, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi) are Shwetambara sub-sects.