U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2008

History of Jainism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Svetambara Agama was finally edited at the Jain Council of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Jain councils were organized to recover and codify the lost oral teachings of Mahavira after major famines or shifts in the Sangha.

Explanation The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra around 300 BCE, where the 12 Angas (Agamas) were compiled. However, a final recension occurred later at Valabhi.

Logical Breakup
Pataliputra (D): This is where the initial compilation and final editing of the 12 Angas happened for the Svetambara tradition.
Valabhi (B): This was the site of the second major council in the 5th century CE where the texts were written down in their current form.

Active Recall

Question

Who presided over the First Jain Council at Pataliputra?

Answer

The council was presided over by Acharya Sthulabhadra.

Core Insight

The Council of Pataliputra also marked the formal start of the schism between the Svetambaras and Digambaras regarding the authenticity of the canon.