UPSC CSE Prelims 1993

Jainism History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was the last one in the order of Jain Tirthankaras?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept In Jainism, a Tirthankara (Ford-maker) is a spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of death and rebirth and provides a path for others to follow.

Explanation Jaina tradition recognizes a lineage of 24 Tirthankaras. Lord Rishabhanatha (Risabhdev) was the first, and Lord Mahavira (Vardhamana) was the 24th and final Tirthankara of the current time cycle.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. Mahavira lived in the 6th century BCE and gave the religion its current organized form.
Logic 2: Parshvanath (A) was the 23rd Tirthankara. Risabhdev (B) was the 1st. Manisuvrata (D) was the 20th.

Active Recall

Question

Did Mahavira 'start' Jainism?

Answer

No, Jains believe their religion is eternal; Mahavira was the final reformer and teacher who re-established the core tenets for the present era.

Core Insight

While Parshvanath provided the four vows, Mahavira added the fifth vow (Brahmacharya), finalizing the ethical code of the Jaina path.