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

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The Uttaradhyayana Sutta, which describes the conversation between Queen Kamalavati and her husband, is written in which language?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASanskrit
BTamil
CPali
DPrakrit

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Solution

The correct option is Prakrit.

Explanation

The Uttaradhyayana Sutta is one of the most important sacred texts in the Svetambara Jain canon. It is classified as a Mula-sutra and is traditionally believed to contain the last sermons delivered by Lord Mahavira before his liberation (Moksha).

Detailed Analysis:

The text is written in Prakrit (specifically Ardhamagadhi). The early Jain Agamas were composed in Prakrit dialects to ensure the teachings were accessible to the common people, distinct from the Sanskrit used in Brahmanical texts.
The Uttaradhyayana Sutta consists of 36 chapters containing dialogues, parables, and maxims on monastic life and discipline. The specific conversation referenced in the question occurs between Queen Kamalavati and her husband, King Ishukara, where the Queen persuades the King to renounce the world, highlighting the transient nature of material pleasure.
Sanskrit is incorrect: While Sanskrit became a medium for Jain scholarly works in later periods (e.g., Tattvartha Sutra), the primary canon is in Prakrit.
Pali is incorrect: Pali is the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism and the Tripitaka.
Tamil is incorrect: Although Tamil has a rich history of Jain literature (e.g., Silappadikaram, Naladiyar), the Uttaradhyayana Sutta belongs to the northern Prakrit tradition.

Key Takeaway: The Uttaradhyayana Sutta is a fundamental Jain scripture composed in Prakrit, focusing on asceticism, karma, and liberation.

Your note

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 Prakrit.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The text is written in Prakrit (specifically Ardhamagadhi). The early Jain Agamas were composed in Prakrit dialects to ensure the teachings were accessible to the common people, distinct from the Sanskrit used in Brahmanical texts.
The Uttaradhyayana Sutta consists of 36 chapters containing dialogues, parables, and maxims on monastic life and discipline. The specific conversation referenced in the question occurs between Queen Kamalavati and her husband, King Ishukara, where the Queen persuades the King to renounce the world, highlighting the transient nature of material pleasure.
Sanskrit is incorrect: While Sanskrit became a medium for Jain scholarly works in later periods (e.g., Tattvartha Sutra), the primary canon is in Prakrit.
Pali is incorrect: Pali is the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism and the Tripitaka.
Tamil is incorrect: Although Tamil has a rich history of Jain literature (e.g., Silappadikaram, Naladiyar), the Uttaradhyayana Sutta belongs to the northern Prakrit tradition.

Key Takeaway: The Uttaradhyayana Sutta is a fundamental Jain scripture composed in Prakrit, focusing on asceticism, karma, and liberation.