UPSC CSE Pre. 1996

Ancient Religious Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following is not a part of early Jain literature?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Early religious literature in India is strictly divided between the Agamas (Jain) and the Tripitakas (Buddhist).

Explanation Therigatha is a Buddhist scripture, part of the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka, containing verses by senior nuns (Theris).

Logical Breakup
Option A is Correct: It is a Buddhist text, not Jain.
Options B, C, D: These are foundational Jain Angas and Sutras. Acarangasutra deals with the conduct of monks; Sutrakritanga refutes heretical views; Brihatkalpasutra is a text on discipline.

Active Recall

Question

What is the unique historical value of the Therigatha?

Answer

It is one of the earliest collections of female voices in world literature, documenting the spiritual experiences of Buddhist women.

Core Insight

Canonical boundaries between Jain and Buddhist texts are often tested by similarities in linguistic styles (Prakrit and Pali).