Common features of Buddhism and Jainism: UPSC Prelims PYQ 2012
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
- Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
- Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
- Denial of efficacy of rituals
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Only Statements 2 and 3 are correct
| Similarities (Buddhism & Jainism) |
Differences |
|
| Both Mahavira and Buddha hailed from royal families | Buddhism | Jainism |
| Rejected the authority of the Vedas. (Statement 2 is correct) | Followed the Middle Path. | Followed the extreme path (severe asceticism).
(Statement 1 is incorrect) |
| Opposed the cruelties of animal sacrifice. | Did not recognise the existence of God and soul. | Recognised the existence of God and soul |
| No caste and varna system. | Condemned the Varna system. | Did not condemn the Varna system. |
| Absence of worship of gods. | Received more state patronage than Jainism. | Received less state patronage compared to Buddhism. |
| Monasteries for monks and nuns. | Spread very fast in the early period. | Did not spread as rapidly in the early period. |
| Emphasis on human effort to attain liberation (moksha) rather than rituals and ceremonies. (Statement 3 is correct) | Spread to many parts of the world. | Remained largely confined to India. |
| Virtually disappeared from the Indian subcontinent. | Still retains its hold in areas where it spread. | |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy
