Jainism & Buddhism MCQ (Set 1)

Master the key concepts of Jainism and Buddhism with these 10 high-potential MCQs tailored for WBCS, UPSC, and SSC CGL aspirants. This quiz covers the lives of Mahavira and Buddha, their teachings, councils, and sacred texts. Check your real-time score in the Report Card below.

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1. Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism?
A) Rishabhanatha
B) Parshvanatha
C) Mahavira
D) Ajitanatha
Explanation: Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara. He lived about 250 years before Mahavira and gave the four vows (Chaturyama). Mahavira added the fifth (Brahmacharya).
2. Where did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)?
A) Bodh Gaya
B) Sarnath
C) Kushinagar
D) Lumbini
Explanation: Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath to his five disciples. This event is known as 'Dharmachakra Pravartana' (Turning of the Wheel of Law).
3. The sacred books of Jainism are known as:
A) Angas / Agamas
B) Tripitakas
C) Jatakas
D) Upanishads
Explanation: The canonical literature of Jainism is called Agamas or Angas (12 Angas), written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit.
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4. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which king?
A) Ashoka
B) Ajatashatru
C) Kanishka
D) Kalashoka
Explanation: The Fourth Council was held in Kashmir (Kundalvana) under the patronage of Kanishka. It led to the split into Hinayana and Mahayana.
5. 'Syadvada' (The Theory of Maybe) is a core philosophy of:
A) Buddhism
B) Jainism
C) Ajivika
D) Charvaka
Explanation: Syadvada (or Anekantavada) is the Jain doctrine of relativity of truth, stating that truth is multifaceted and depends on one's standpoint.
6. Which Pitaka contains the rules of discipline for Buddhist monks and nuns?
A) Sutta Pitaka
B) Vinaya Pitaka
C) Abhidhamma Pitaka
D) Jatakas
Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka contains the code of conduct (Vinaya) and disciplinary rules for the Sangha (monastic community).
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7. Where did Mahavira attain Kaivalya (Omniscience)?
A) Pavapuri
B) Kundagrama
C) Jrimbhikagrama
D) Vaishali
Explanation: Mahavira attained Kaivalya (Supreme Knowledge) at Jrimbhikagrama on the banks of the Rijupalika river under a Sal tree.
8. The 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Buddhism are:
A) Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya
B) Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
C) Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
D) Sila, Samadhi, Prajna
Explanation: The Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism are the Buddha (The Enlightened), the Dhamma (The Doctrine), and the Sangha (The Order). Option C refers to Jain Triratna.
9. Which language did Gautama Buddha primarily use to preach?
A) Sanskrit
B) Pali
C) Prakrit
D) Ardha-Magadhi
Explanation: Buddha preached in Pali, the language of the common masses, to ensure his teachings were accessible to everyone, unlike Sanskrit which was restricted to elites.
10. The first Buddhist Council was held at:
A) Rajgriha
B) Vaishali
C) Pataliputra
D) Kashmir
Explanation: The First Buddhist Council was held at the Saptaparni Cave in Rajgriha, immediately after Buddha's death, under the patronage of King Ajatashatru.
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