The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that traces its spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twenty-four leaders or tirthankaras. Vardhamana Mahavira is the most prominent figure in Jainism, considered the last of these spiritual teachers.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to Jain tradition, there were 24 Tirthankaras. Rishabhadeva was the first, and Parshvanatha was the twenty-third. Vardhamana Mahavira is recognized as the 24th and last Tirthankara of the current cosmic cycle. He propagated the religion in the 6th century BCE.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Mahavira was born as a Kshatriya prince. While his father, Siddhartha, was the head of the Jnatrika clan, the Jnatrikas were a constituent clan of the Vajji Sangha (a confederacy of clans). Standard historical texts, describe him as a Kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis, a group that was part of the Vajji Sangha. His mother, Trishala, was a Lichchhavi princess (sister of the Lichchhavi chief Chetaka).
Key Takeaway:
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism and was a prince belonging to the Vajji Sangha (specifically associated with the Jnatrika and Lichchhavi clans) in the 6th century BCE.