Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu 7th Social Science Lesson 18 Questions in English

7th Social Science Lesson 18 Questions in English

18. Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu

1. According to whom, there was 62 different philosophical and religious schools flourished in India in 6th century BCE?

a) Ajivikas

b) Herbontt

c) Bigha Nitaya

d) None of the above

Explanation

During the 6th century B.C. (BCE), according to the Bigha Nitaya (an ancient Buddhist tract), as many as 62 different philosophical and religious schools flourished in India.

2. Which of following religious sect survived till late medieval period?

a) Buddhism

b) Jainism

c) Ajivikas

d) Both a and b

Explanation

Among numerous sects, only the Ajivikas survived till the late medieval times. But Jainism and Buddhism continued to flourish until the modern times. Buddha and Mahavira, the founders of these two faiths, based their ethical teachings against the sacrificial cult of the Vedic religion. Their teachings were preserved and passed on through monks, who were drawn from various social groups.

3. How was Mahavira’s teachings transmitted by his followers?

a) Documents

b) Orally

c) In sculptures

d) None of the above

Explanation

Mahavira’s preaching was orally transmitted by his disciples over the course of about one thousand years. In the early period of Jainism, monks strictly followed the five great vows of Jainism. Even religious scriptures were considered possessions and therefore knowledge of the religion was never documented.

4. What does nirvana mean in Jainism?

a) Without clothes

b) Without possessions

c) Death

d) None of the above

Explanation

Two hundred years after the attainment of nirvana (death) of Mahavira, Jain scholars attempted to codify the canon by convening an assembly at Pataliputra. It was the first Jain council to debate the issue, but it ended as a failure because the council could not arrive at a unanimous decision in defining the canon.

5. Where does the 2nd Jain council held in?

a) Allahabad

b) Vallabhi

c) Pataliputra

d) Srinagar

Explanation

A second council held at Vallabhi, in the 5th century A.D., was, however, successful in resolving the differences. This enabled the scholars of the time to explain the principles of Jainism with certainty.

6. What does Acharya mean in Jainism?

a) Student

b) Teacher

c) God

d) Jainist

Explanation

Around 500 A.D. (CE) the Jain acharyas (teachers) realized that it was extremely difficult to keep memorizing the entire Jain literature complied by the many scholars of the past and present.

7. From the following, find out the one that does not belong to five great vows of Jainism?

a) Ahimsa

b) Celibacy

c) Aparigraha

d) None of the above

Explanation

Five Great Vows of Jainism: 1. Non-violence – Ahimsa; 2. Truth– Satya; 3. Non-stealing – Achaurya; 4. Celibacy/Chastity – Brahmacharya; 5. Non-possession – Aparigraha.

8. When there was a split in Jainism occurred?

a) 3rd century BC

b) 2nd century AD

c) 1st century BC

d) 2nd century BC

Explanation

A major split occurred in Jainism (1st century B.C.), giving rise to two major sects, namely Digambaras and Swetambaras. Both the Digambaras and the Swetambaras generally acknowledge the Agama Sutras to be their early literature, while they do differ with regard to their content and interpretation.

9. In which language was the Agama sutras were written?

a) Sanskrit

b) Ardha-magadhi

c) Tamil

d) None of the above

Explanation

Agama Sutras consists of many sacred books of the Jain religion. They have been written in the Ardha-magadhi Prakrit language.

10. Which of the following Agama sutra was lost?

a) 10th

b) 11th

c) 5th

d) 12th

Explanation

Containing the direct preaching of Mahavira, consisting of 12 texts, they were originally compiled by immediate disciples of Mahavira. The 12th Agama Sutra is said to have been lost.

11. Non agama literatures were compiled by

a) Gods

b) Ascetics

c) Scholars

d) Both b and c

Explanation

Non-Agama literature includes commentary and Explanation of Agama Sutras, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars.

12. In which of the following languages were the non Agama literatures written?

a) Tamil

b) German

c) English

d) All the above

Explanation

Non-Agama literature are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, German and English.

13. How many Maha bhasyas written in Jainism?

a) 33

b) 84

c) 2

d) 1

Explanation

Recognition was given to 84 books, and among them, there are 41 sutras, 12 commentaries and one Maha Bhasya or great commentary. The 41 sutras include 11 Angas (scriptures followed by Swetambaras), 12 Upangas (instructions manuals), five Chedas (rules of conduct for the monks), five Mulas (basic doctrine of Jainism) and eight miscellaneous works, such as Kalpasutra of Bhadrabahu. It is believed that the Panchatantra has a great amount of Jain influence.

14. _______ is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras.

a) Sivaka sinthamani

b) Jainacharitha

c) Holkars

d) None of the above

Explanation

The Jainacharitha of Kalpa Sūtra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha, founder of Jainism as well as the first Tirthankara, and Mahavira, the last and the 24th Tirthankara. This work is ascribed to Bhadrabahu, who along with Chandragupta Maurya migrated to Mysore (about 296 B.C.) and settled there.

15. ______are those who have attained nirvana and made a passage from this world to the next.

a) Deekshiths

b) Gardinas

c) Tirthankaras

d) None of the above

Explanation

Tirthankaras are those who have attained nirvana and made a passage from this world to the next.

16. In which of the following languages were the Jain texts written?

a) Hindi

b) Tamil

c) Kannada

d) All the above

Explanation

Jain texts composed in Indian vernacular languages such as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Jivaka Chintamani, a Tamil epic poem, is a good example, composed in the tradition of Sangam literature by a Jain saint named Tiruthakkathevar.

17. ______ narrates the life of a pious king who rose to prominence by his own merit only to become an ascetic in the end.

a) Silapathigaram

b) Jivaka chinthamani

c) Kundalakesi

d) None of the above

Explanation

Jivaka Chintamani by a Jain saint named Tiruthakkathevar narrates the life of a pious king who rose to prominence by his own merit only to become an ascetic in the end. Another scholarly work in Tamil, Naladiyar, is also attributed to a Jain monk. Thirukkural was composed by Tiruvalluvar, believed to be a Jain scholar.

18. There is evidence that Jains have moved to kongu region from this place?

a) Kerala

b) Andhra

c) Karnataka

d) None of the above

Explanation

There is a clear evidence of the movements of the Jains from Karnataka to the Kongu region (Salem, Erode and Coimbatore areas), to the Kaveri Delta (Tiruchirappalli) southwards into Pudukkottai region (Sittanavasal) and finally into the Pandya kingdom (Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli districts).

19. Which of the following sect of Jainism does Tamil Jains come under

a) Svetambaras

b) Digambaras

c) Both

d) None

Explanation

Tamils broadly come under Digambara sect. It is believed that the Kalabhras were the patrons of Jainism.

20. Sittanavasal cave in Pudukkottai district is located on a prominent rock that stands ____m above the ground.

a) 140

b) 1000

c) 70

d) None of the above

Explanation

Sittanavasal cave in Pudukkottai district is located on a prominent rock that stands 70 m above the ground. It has a natural cavern, known as Eladipattam, at one end, and a rock-cut cave temple at the other.

21. How many bedrocks were found behind the fenced cavern in Sittanavasal cave?

a) 221

b) 21

c) 17

d) 55

Explanation

Sittanavasal cave in Pudukkottai district is located on a prominent rock that stands 70 m above the ground. It has a natural cavern, known as Eladipattam, at one end, and a rock-cut cave temple at the other. Behind the fenced cavern, there are 17 rock beds marked on the floor. The stone berths aligned in rows are believed to have served as a Jain shelter.

22. The temple that lies west off the hillock is named as

a) Arivar koil

b) Paranjothi koil

c) Artha mandapam

d) None

Explanation

The Sittanavasal cave temple, named Arivar Koil, lies on the west off the hillock. The facade of the temple is simple, with four rock-cut columns. Constructed in the early Pandya period, in the 7th century A.D. , it has a hall in the front called the Ardha-mandapam and a smaller cell at the rear, which is the garbha graha (sanctum sanctorum).

23. The murals in the temple resemble the frescoes of which paintings?

a) Ellora

b) Ajanta

c) Kakatiya

d) None of the above

Explanation

The murals in the temple resemble the frescoes of the famous Ajanta caves. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took over the caves only in 1958. Thereafter it took two decades to cover the cave and regulate the entry of visitors. There are the bas- relief figures of Tirthankaras on the left wall of the hall and acharyas on the right before one enters the inner chamber, the sanctum sanctorum.

24. Which of the following reign does Jainism flourished?

a) Chola

b) Pandya

c) Pallava

d) None

Explanation

Jainism flourished during the Pallava reign. In his writings, Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang has mentioned about the presence of a large number of Buddhists and Jains during his visit to the Pallava country in 7th century A.D.

25. Trilokyanatha Jinaswamy Temple is located in

a) Thiruvallur

b) Thanjavur

c) Uraiyur

d) Tiruparuttikunram

Explanation

Most of the Pallava rulers were Jains. Mahendravarman was a Jain initially. The two Jain temples in Kanchipuram are Trilokyanatha Jinaswamy Temple at Tiruparuttikunram, on the banks of the river Palar, and the Chandra Prabha temple dedicated to the Tirtankara named Chandraprabha. The architecture of these temples is in Pallava style, but it has deteriorated in due course of time.

26. Who expanded the Trilokyanatha Temple by adding the Sangeetha mandapa?

a) Irugappa

b) Deva raya

c) Narasimhavarman

d) None of the above

Explanation

During the Vijayanagar rule (1387), Irugappa, a disciple of Jaina-muni Pushpasena; and a minister of Vijayanagar King Harihara II (1377-1404), expanded the Trilokyanatha Temple by adding the Sangeetha mandapa. The grand murals were added only at this time.

27. How many percentage of Jains were present in 2011 census in Tamil Nadu?

a) 0.12

b) 0.21

c) 2

d) 1.33

Explanation

In the Kanchipuram district, apart from Tiruparuttikunram, Jain vestiges have been found over the years in many villages across the state. The total population of Jains in Tamil Nadu is 83,359 or 0.12 per cent of the population as per the 2011 census.

28. The Kazhugumalai temple in Kovilpatti belongs to

a) 10th century AD

b) 2nd century

c) 8th century AD

d) None of the above

Explanation

The 8th century Kazhugumalai temple in Kovilpatti taluk in Thoothukudi district marks the revival of Jainism in Tamil Nadu. This cave temple was built by King Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan of the Pandyan kingdom.

29. The term ‘Yaksha’ in Jainism means

a) Female attendant

b) Male attendant

c) God

d) None

Explanation

Polished rock-cut cave beds, popularly known as Panchavar Padukkai at Kazhugumalai cavern host the figures of not only the Tirtankaras but also the figures of yakshas and yakshis (Male and Female attendants respectively).

30. The fourteen Jain monk beds found in Bharavamalai is located in

a) Kanchipuram

b) Chennai

c) Tirunelveli

d) Vellore

Explanation

Fourteen Jain monk beds, dating back to the 5th century A.D., have been excavated inside three caverns on top of a hill in Vellore district. The beds are found at the Bhairavamalai in Latheri, Katpadi taluk, Vellore district.

31. The bed rests found in which cavern had no head rests?

a) Kazhugumalai

b) Karnataka

c) Bhairavamalai

d) None of the above

Explanation

Of the three caverns in Bhairavamalai, two of them house beds. One houses four rock beds while the other houses one bed. Unlike many rock beds found elsewhere, these ones have no head-rest.

32. ______ is a Jain temple in a cave complex located near Arni town in Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu.

a) Kazhugumalai

b) Bhairavamalai

c) Tirumalai

d) None

Explanation

Tirumalai is a Jain temple in a cave complex located near Arni town in Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu.

33. Who is the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism?

a) Mahavira

b) Neminatha

c) Deekshith

d) All the above

Explanation

The complex, dated to the 12th century A.D., includes three Jain caves, two Jain temples and a 16-metre-high sculpture of Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara. This image of Neminatha is considered to be the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

34. Kizha Kuyil Kudi is found in

a) Madurai

b) Theni

c) Dindugal

d) Vellore

Explanation

There are 26 caves, 200 stone beds, 60 inscriptions and over 100 sculptures in and around Madurai. The Kizha Kuyil Kudi is a striking example. This hillock is 12 kilometers west of Madurai, on the Madurai–Theni Highway.

35. Which of the following sculptures are found in Kizha Kuyil Kudi cave?

a) Mahavira

b) Parshvanath

c) Bahubali

d) All the above

Explanation

The sculptures are assigned to the period of Parantaka Veera Narayana Pandyan who ruled from A.D. 860 to 900. There are eight sculptures. The images of Rishab Nath or Adinath, Mahavira, Parshvanath and Bahubali are found here.

36. _____is an educational centre of Jains.

a) Svethams

b) Digams

c) Palli

d) All the above

Explanation

Jaina monasteries and temples also served as seats of learning. Education was imparted in these institutions to the people irrespective of caste and creed. The Jainas propagated their doctrines and proved to be a potential media of mass education. The Bhairavamalai we have mentioned earlier is situated near a small village called Kukkara Palli. ‘Palli’ is an educational centre of Jains and villages bearing the suffix of Palli are common in many places in Tamil Nadu.

37. What was Buddha’s original name?

a) Gautama Buddha

b) Gautama siddartha

c) Siddhartha Sakya- muni Gautama

d) None of the above

Explanation

Buddha’s original name, Siddhartha Sakya- muni Gautama, if translated into English, would mean Gautama who belongs to the Sakya tribe and who has reached the goal of perfection. Gautama Buddha was a contemporary of Mahavira. His father ruled the tribe of Sakya in a region near the present-day Nepal.

38. Under which tree, Buddha attained enlightment?

a) Peach

b) Sarnath

c) Bodhi

d) None of the above

Explanation

The religions proclaimed that the only way to salvation was through living the life of an ascetic. But despite practicing asceticism, Gautama could not arrive anywhere near the truth. And one night, as he sat under a bodhi-tree struggling with his doubt and his loneliness, a great peace descended on him. He was no longer Gautama, the sceptic, but became Buddha, the Enlightened.

39. Which of the following does not include in Eight fold path of Buddha teachings?

a) Right thought

b) Right speech

c) Right action

d) None of the above

Explanation

Asserting that both the king (passion for pleasures) and the hermit (self-mortifications) were wrong, he discovered the middle path. The middle path is based on ‘an eight-fold path’ of Right understanding , Right thought, Right speech, Right action, Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness, Right concentration.

40. What does Buddha stressed on?

a) Glory of God

b) Power of love

c) Nothing

d) None of the above

Explanation

Buddha taught not the glory of God but the power of love. He held the view that all men are born to an ‘equality of rights’. He undertook long journeys and carried his message far and wide. Buddha preached his teachings in Prakrit.

41. From the following find the four noble truth?

a) Life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death.

b) Suffering is caused by craving and aversion.

c) Suffering can be overcome and happiness attained.

d) All the above

Explanation

Buddha preached his teachings in Prakrit. His four noble truths are as follows:

1. Life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death.

2. Suffering is caused by craving and aversion.

3. Suffering can be overcome and happiness attained.

4. True happiness and contentment are possible, if one pursues the eight-fold path.

42. When was buddha’s teachings reduced to writings?

a) 100 AD

b) 80 AD

c) 80 BC

d) 120 BC

Explanation

Buddha’s teachings for a long time were transmitted through the memory of teachers and disciples. They were reduced to writing by 80 B.C. and were written in the Pali language. The Pali canon Tripitaka has three divisions, also known as the Threefold Basket. They include Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

43. _____ contains the rules of the order of Buddhist monks, which must be observed for achieving purity of conduct.

a) Sutta Pitaka

b) Abhidhamma Pitaka

c) Jatakas

d) Vinaya Pitaka

Explanation

Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules of the order of Buddhist monks, which must be observed for achieving purity of conduct. Sutta Pitaka lays down the principles of religion by citing discourses as evidence.

44. ______is the latest of the Tripitaka. It deals with ethics, philosophy and meta-physics.

a) Sutta Pitaka

b) Abhidhamma Pitaka

c) Jatakas

d) Vinaya Pitaka

Explanation

Abhidhamma Pitaka is the latest of the Tripitaka. It deals with ethics, philosophy and meta-physics. Other prominent canonical literary works in Buddhism include: Jatakas – various stories of the lives of the Buddha found in Buddhist literature.

45. Which of the following is a legend in verse, containing a narration of the life and activities of the 24 Buddhas who are believed to have preceded Gautama?

a) Buddhavamsa

b) Mahavamsa

c) Dipavamsa

d) All the above

Explanation

Buddhavamsa – A legend in verse, containing a narration of the life and activities of the 24 Buddhas who are believed to have preceded Gautama. Apart from the above canonical literature, there is a long series of non- canonical literature in Pali.

46. Which of the following was originally return in Sanskrit?

a) Buddhavamsa

b) Mahavamsa

c) Dipavamsa

d) Milindapanha

Explanation

Milindapanha – which means ‘questions of Milinda’. It contains a dialogue between Milinda, the Graeco-Bactrian king, and the monk Nagasena over some problems that faced Buddhism. It was originally written in Sanskrit.

47. Which of the following is a Ceylonese chronicles?

a) Mahavamsa

b) Dipavamsa

c) Milindavamsa

d) Both a and b

Explanation

The two famous Ceylonese chronicles are Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa. The former deals with the royal dynasties of the Indian subcontinent including Sri Lanka, while the latter deals with the arrival of the Buddha’s teachings and preachers in Sri Lanka.

48. Who is the first Buddhist commentator?

a) Brihadatta

b) Buddha

c) Buddhagosha

d) None of the above

Explanation

Buddhagosha’s Visuddhimagga is a later work. He is the first Buddhist commentator. Sanskrit literature became prominent in Buddhism with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism. However, some of the Sanskritic works were produced by the Hinayana school as well.

49. Which of the following is written by Asvaghosa, is an epic style Sanskrit work?

a) Gautamacharitra

b) Buddhacharita

c) Harischaritra

d) Both a and c

Explanation

Buddhacharita, written by Asvaghosa, is an epic style Sanskrit work. It tells the life history of Gautama Buddha.

50. Buddhism is believed to have spread to the Tamil country by

a) Buddha himself

b) Chandragupta

c) Ceylonese missionaries

d) All the above

Explanation

Buddhism is believed to have spread to the Tamil country by the Ceylonese missionaries. The evidence in support of this is some monuments of the Pandya country, which are assigned to the 3rd century B.C. (BCE). The monuments are in caverns known as Pancha Pandava Malai.

51. On whose travel to Tamil Nadu, Buddhism was almost on the decline?

a) Fahein

b) Hieun Tsang

c) Tiang lang

d) Both b and c

Explanation

The Thevaram hymns of Saiva saints and the Nalayira Divyaprabandam of Vaishnava Azhwars provided evidence to the challenges Buddhism faced in Tamil country. When Hieun Tsang, the Chinese traveller, visited south India in the 7th century, Buddhism was almost on the decline.

52. Where does the sculptures of Buddha is found in Tamil Nadu?

a) Villianur

b) Thirukavalur

c) Thiyaganur

d) None

Explanation

The presence of Virasozhiyam (a 11th century Later Chola period grammar text, composed by a Buddhist) and the discovery of 13th century Buddhist bronzes in Nagapattinam testify to the presence of Buddhism in later periods. The sculptures of Buddha in Thiyaganur village in Salem district strengthen this conclusion.

53. Which of the following kingdom supported Buddhism for political reasons?

a) Pallava

b) Chera

c) Pandya

d) Cholas

Explanation

Though Buddhism faced challenges from Saiva and Vaishnava sects from the Pallava period onwards. One of the exceptions was Nagapattinam, which was supported by Chola kings, not for religious but for political reasons.

54. Chudamani Vihara of Nagapattinam was constructed by the

a) Srivijaya king

b) Rajaraja Chola

c) Rajendra cholan

d) None of the above

Explanation

Chudamani Vihara of Nagapatinam was constructed by the Srivijaya king with the patronage of Rajaraja Chola. This vihara has been since destroyed. The Tamil epic, Manimekalai, written by Kulavanigan Sithalai Sattanar, is considered a typical representation of Tamil Buddhism. Sattanar indigenised Buddhism into Tamil Buddhism by communicating a large set of Buddhist terms in Tamil, as translations from Sanskrit and Pali.

55. Which Buddhist monk left the Pallava court for China?

a) Nandivarman

b) Vajrabodhi

c) Vajra bhoga

d) None

Explanation

There is a record about a Buddhist monk named Vajrabodhi, who was skilled in tantric rituals, but this monk left the Pallava court for China. Mahendravarman’s Mattavilāsa Prahasana describes Buddhism as a religion in decay.

56. Which of the following served as centres of learning in Buddhism?

a) Sanghas

b) Viharas

c) Mandapas

d) Both a and b

Explanation

In the field of education, Buddhist Sanghas and Viharas served as centres of education. Students from various parts of the world came here to receive education.

57. Which of the following was center of learning in Buddhism?

a) Nalanda

b) Taxila

c) Vikramshila

d) All the above

Explanation

Nalanda, Taxila and Vikramshila gained reputation as great educational centres. They were originally Buddhist Viharas. Students from Tibet and China were influenced by Buddhism and they took effective steps to spread Buddhism.

58. Vihara in Buddhism means

a) Dwelling

b) House

c) Educational centres

d) Both a and b

Explanation

A Vihara in Sanskrit means ‘dwelling’ or ‘house’. Originally, viharas were dwelling places used by wandering monks during the rainy season. Later they transformed into centres of learning through the donations of wealthy lay Buddhists. Royal patronage allowed pre-Muslim India to become a land of many viharas that imparted university education and were treasure troves of sacred texts. Many viharas, such as Nalanda were world famous.

59. Buddha statue in ‘padmasana’ pose is found in

a) Kaveripoompattinam

b) Tirunattiyattankudi

c) Poompuhar

d) None

Explanation

Excavations of Buddhist Vihara and a temple at Kaveripoompattinam and hundreds of stone and bronze sculptures by ASI from over 125 sites have proved the spread of the religion in the state. A 1.03 metre Buddha statue in ‘padmasana’ pose in remote Tirunattiyattankudi village in Tiruvarur district was unearthed when digging a tank in a field.

60. _____believed in the doctrine of karma, transmigration of the soul and determinism.

a) Hindus

b) Buddhists

c) Jains

d) Ajivikas

Explanation

The Ajivikas believed in the doctrine of karma, transmigration of the soul and determinism. The head of Ajivika sect was Gosala Mankhaliputta.

61. Which of the following religion does not have any literature?

a) Hinduism

b) Jainism

c) Ajivikas

d) Buddhism

Explanation

he Ajivikas practiced asceticism of a severe type. The Ajivikas religious order and school of philosophy is known from the Vedic hymns, the Brahmanas, the Aryankas and other ancient Sanskrit compilations and treatises of the pre-Jaina and pre-Buddhist age. Gosala’s ideas live on in other religions, though no Ajivika literature has survived.

62. Which of the following empire patronized Ajivikas?

a) Ashoka

b) Dasaratha

c) Kanishka

d) Both a and b

Explanation

Gosala was closely associated with Mahavira for six years and then they parted company. The Mauryan emperor Asoka and his grandson Dasaratha patronised the Ajivikas. After the collapse of the Mauryan Empire, the sect declined in northern India, but had by then spread into southern India where it continued to exist for many centuries.

63. The Ajivikas is believed to be absorbed in

a) Saivism

b) Vaishnavism

c) Christians

d) None

Explanation

Throughout history, Ajivikas had to face persecution everywhere. Village communities under Pallavas, Cholas and Hoysalas imposed special taxes on them. Despite such obstacles, Ajivikas continued to have influence along the Palar river in the modern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (Vellore, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts) till about the 14th century. In the end, they seemed to have been absorbed into Vaishnavism.