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

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

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ARitual sacrifice
BVedic knowledge
CDivine grace
DKarma

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Solution

The correct option is Karma.

Explanation

In Jaina metaphysics, the universe is eternal and uncreated. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) is governed strictly by the mechanism of Karma, which interacts with the soul (Jiva).

Detailed Analysis:

Nature of Karma in Jainism: Unlike many other Indian philosophies where Karma is viewed as an abstract moral law, Jainism conceptualizes Karma as a subtle material substance (pudgala).
Mechanism of Bondage: When a soul acts under the influence of passions (anger, pride, deceit, and greed), it attracts these karmic particles. These particles adhere to the soul, obscuring its natural qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power.
Determination of Rebirth: The accumulation of this karmic matter determines the form of the soul's next birth (human, animal, heavenly being, or hellish being). The soul remains trapped in the cycle of rebirth until all karmic matter is annihilated.
Rejection of Other Factors:
- Divine Grace: Jainism does not believe in a creator God who dispenses grace or determines destiny; individuals are the sole architects of their fate.
- Ritual Sacrifice & Vedic Knowledge: As a Shramana tradition, Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas and the efficacy of ritual sacrifices (Yajnas) for attaining liberation.

Key Takeaway:

In Jaina philosophy, Karma is a physical substance that binds the soul to the cycle of rebirth; liberation (Kaivalya) is achieved only by stopping the influx of new karma (Samvara) and shedding existing karma (Nirjara).

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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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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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Consider the following statements regarding the Vedic sacrificial tradition: 1. The early Vedic tradition, known from the Rigveda, consisted of hymns chanted during sacrifices for cattle, sons, and long life. 2. From c. 1000 BCE onwards, all sacrifices were performed exclusively by the kings and chiefs, and not by heads of households. 3. Elaborate sacrifices like the rajasuya and ashvamedha depended on Brahmana priests to conduct the ritual. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is Karma.

Explanation

In Jaina metaphysics, the universe is eternal and uncreated. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) is governed strictly by the mechanism of Karma, which interacts with the soul (Jiva).

Detailed Analysis:

Nature of Karma in Jainism: Unlike many other Indian philosophies where Karma is viewed as an abstract moral law, Jainism conceptualizes Karma as a subtle material substance (pudgala).
Mechanism of Bondage: When a soul acts under the influence of passions (anger, pride, deceit, and greed), it attracts these karmic particles. These particles adhere to the soul, obscuring its natural qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power.
Determination of Rebirth: The accumulation of this karmic matter determines the form of the soul's next birth (human, animal, heavenly being, or hellish being). The soul remains trapped in the cycle of rebirth until all karmic matter is annihilated.
Rejection of Other Factors:
- Divine Grace: Jainism does not believe in a creator God who dispenses grace or determines destiny; individuals are the sole architects of their fate.
- Ritual Sacrifice & Vedic Knowledge: As a Shramana tradition, Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas and the efficacy of ritual sacrifices (Yajnas) for attaining liberation.

Key Takeaway: