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U.P.P.C.S. Special Mains 2004

Historical and Religious Figures

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following was not a Jain Tirthankara?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The lineage of Jainism consists of 24 Tirthankaras, whereas other traditions like Vaishnavism have their own lineage of Alvars and Acharyas.

Explanation Nathamuni was a 10th-century Vaishnava saint and the first of the Sri Vaishnava Acharyas in South India. In contrast, Chandraprabhu (8th), Nemi (22nd), and Sambhav (3rd) are recognized Tirthankaras in the Jain canon.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is the correct answer to 'not a Tirthankara'. Nathamuni is famous for collecting the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Logic 2: Chandraprabhu (A), Neminatha (C), and Sambhavanatha (D) all belong to the list of 24 Jain ford-makers.

Active Recall

Question

What was Nathamuni's major contribution to Vaishnavism?

Answer

He compiled the 'Nalayira Divya Prabandham', which contains the hymns of the twelve Alvars.

Core Insight

UPSC frequently tests the ability to distinguish between figures of contemporary but distinct religious movements like the Bhakti movement and early Jainism.

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