upscools
U.P.P.C.S. Special Prelims 2004

Historical Geography of Jainism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Kundalpur is the birthplace of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Identifying the birthplaces of great religious leaders is essential for understanding the historical geography of ancient Indian faiths.

Explanation Kundalpur (historically Kundagrama near Vaishali, Bihar) is recorded in Jain traditions as the birthplace of Vardhamana Mahavira. He was born into a royal family of the Jnatrika clan, part of the Vrijjian confederacy.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. The site is a major Jain pilgrimage center today, housing temples dedicated to Mahavira.
Logic 2: Gautam Buddha (B) was born in Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka (A) was born in Pataliputra. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (D) was born in Nabadwip, Bengal.

Active Recall

Question

In which ancient Mahajanapada was Kundalpur located?

Answer

It was located within the territory of the Vrijji Mahajanapada (specifically the Lichchhavi territory).

Core Insight

Mahavira's birth in a powerful republic like the Lichchhavi territory influenced the organized and democratic structure of the early Jain Sangha.

Practice Navigation