Consider the following statements regarding the Jaina philosophy of the world: 1. The Jaina philosophy states that only humans and animals have life. 2. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. 3. Monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only . Explanation Jaina philosophy is grounded in the dualism of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (matter). The fundamental aim of the religion is the liberation of the soul from the bondage of karma through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Triratna). - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Jainism advocates a hylozoistic or animistic view of the universe. It asserts that life exists not only in humans and animals but also in plants, stones, rocks, water bodies, and even the wind. The entire world is believed to be animated. - Statement 2 is Correct: In Jaina doctrine, karma is viewed as a subtle material substance that adheres to the soul due to passions and actions. To liberate the soul, one must stop the influx of new karma (Samvara) and wear out existing karma (Nirjara). Asceticism and penance are strictly required to achieve this purification and break the cycle of birth and rebirth. - Statement 3 is Correct: Jainism posits that the rigorous discipline required to avoid all forms of violence (Ahimsa) and to perform the necessary penance is not fully possible for a householder. Therefore, monastic existence is considered a necessary condition for attaining salvation (Kaivalya). Key Takeaway: Jainism is characterized by the belief that the entire cosmos is alive and that rigorous asceticism, achievable only through monastic life, is essential for the annihilation of karma and the attainment of liberation.

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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Consider the following statements regarding the Jaina philosophy of the world:

The Jaina philosophy states that only humans and animals have life.
Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma.
Monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Jaina philosophy is grounded in the dualism of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (matter). The fundamental aim of the religion is the liberation of the soul from the bondage of karma through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Triratna).

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Jainism advocates a hylozoistic or animistic view of the universe. It asserts that life exists not only in humans and animals but also in plants, stones, rocks, water bodies, and even the wind. The entire world is believed to be animated.
Statement 2 is Correct: In Jaina doctrine, karma is viewed as a subtle material substance that adheres to the soul due to passions and actions. To liberate the soul, one must stop the influx of new karma (Samvara) and wear out existing karma (Nirjara). Asceticism and penance are strictly required to achieve this purification and break the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Statement 3 is Correct: Jainism posits that the rigorous discipline required to avoid all forms of violence (Ahimsa) and to perform the necessary penance is not fully possible for a householder. Therefore, monastic existence is considered a necessary condition for attaining salvation (Kaivalya).

Key Takeaway: Jainism is characterized by the belief that the entire cosmos is alive and that rigorous asceticism, achievable only through monastic life, is essential for the annihilation of karma and the attainment of liberation.

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More from Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the Jaina monastic vows, consider the following statements: 1. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows, including observing celibacy. 2. The vow to abstain from possessing property was optional for nuns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the development of Mahayana Buddhism, consider the following statements: 1. It strictly prohibited the worship of images of the Buddha. 2. It introduced the idea of a saviour who could ensure salvation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In Jaina philosophy, the cycle of birth and rebirth is believed to be determined by:

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James Fergusson, an early modern art historian, interpreted the site of Sanchi primarily as a centre associated with which of the following forms of worship?

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With reference to the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. The French and English showed no interest in the Sanchi Stupa. 2. Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum provided funds for the preservation of the site and the building of a museum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Jainism advocates a hylozoistic or animistic view of the universe. It asserts that life exists not only in humans and animals but also in plants, stones, rocks, water bodies, and even the wind. The entire world is believed to be animated.
Statement 2 is Correct: In Jaina doctrine, karma is viewed as a subtle material substance that adheres to the soul due to passions and actions. To liberate the soul, one must stop the influx of new karma (Samvara) and wear out existing karma (Nirjara). Asceticism and penance are strictly required to achieve this purification and break the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Statement 3 is Correct: Jainism posits that the rigorous discipline required to avoid all forms of violence (Ahimsa) and to perform the necessary penance is not fully possible for a householder. Therefore, monastic existence is considered a necessary condition for attaining salvation (Kaivalya).