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Uttarakhand PCS Prelims 2021

Jain History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

In which of the following places was the first Jain Council held?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Jain councils were organized to preserve the oral teachings of Mahavira, which were being lost due to famine and the death of learned monks.

Explanation The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra in the early 3rd century BCE (c. 300 BCE), presided over by Sthulabhadra.

Logical Breakup
Pataliputra (A): Site where the 12 Angas (sacred scriptures) were compiled.
Significance: This council marked the formal beginning of the division into Svetambara (white-clad) and Digambara (sky-clad) sects.

Active Recall

Question

Why did the Digambara sect reject the results of the Pataliputra council?

Answer

They were in South India during the famine and claimed that the authentic scriptures had already been lost, refusing to accept the 12 Angas compiled by Sthulabhadra.

Core Insight

The First Council at Pataliputra was an attempt at canonical standardization that ultimately solidified the major sectarian schism in Jainism.

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