[Solved] Sthulabhadra: First Founder of the Shwetambar Sect

Who was the first founder of Shwetambar creed during the first partition of Jain creed?

[R.A.S./R.T.S. Prelims 1999]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The division of Jainism occurred primarily due to geographical and disciplinary differences during a massive famine in Magadha.

Authentic Source Evidence

Sthulabhadra was the leader of the monks who stayed in Magadha. They began wearing white robes (Shwetambara) and organized the Pataliputra Council. Bhadrabahu led the group that migrated south and remained naked (Digambara).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is correct. Sthulabhadra is historically recognized as the first leader/shaper of the Shwetambar tradition.

Logic 2: Option B is the leader of the opposing Digambara tradition. Option D (Deverdhi) presided over the much later Council of Vallabhi.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the main disciplinary point of the Jain split?"

The main point was the practice of nudity; Shwetambars allowed white robes for monks, while Digambars insisted on total renunciation of clothing.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Shwetambar-Digambara split highlights how regional environment and migration can lead to permanent institutional changes in religious practices."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Digambara 5 Pataliputra Council 2 Svetambara 2

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