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R.A.S./R.T.S. Prelims 1999

Jain Sectarian History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was the first founder of Shwetambar creed during the first partition of Jain creed?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The division of Jainism occurred primarily due to geographical and disciplinary differences during a massive famine in Magadha.

Explanation Sthulabhadra was the leader of the monks who stayed in Magadha. They began wearing white robes (Shwetambara) and organized the Pataliputra Council. Bhadrabahu led the group that migrated south and remained naked (Digambara).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. Sthulabhadra is historically recognized as the first leader/shaper of the Shwetambar tradition.
Logic 2: Option B is the leader of the opposing Digambara tradition. Option D (Deverdhi) presided over the much later Council of Vallabhi.

Active Recall

Question

What was the main disciplinary point of the Jain split?

Answer

The main point was the practice of nudity; Shwetambars allowed white robes for monks, while Digambars insisted on total renunciation of clothing.

Core Insight

The Shwetambar-Digambara split highlights how regional environment and migration can lead to permanent institutional changes in religious practices.

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