Sthanakvasi sect belongs to Jainism: UPSC Prelims PYQ 2018

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With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

Buddhism
Jainism
Vaishnavism
Shaivism

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

Sthanakavasi is a sect of Svetambara Jainism founded by a merchant named Lavaji around 1653. The sect is a reformation of the teachings of Lonka, a Jain reformer from the fifteenth century
Beliefs: Sthanakavasis believe that the soul is nirakar (formless) and do not pray to any statues or images.
Acceptance of Agamas: Sthanakavasis accept thirty-two of the Jain Agamas, which are part of the Śvētāmbara canon.
Comparison with Other Sects: The Śvētāmbarins who are not Sthanakavasis primarily belong to the Murtipujaka sect, which practices idol worship.
The Sthanakwasis are also called by terms as: Dhundhiya (searchers); or Sadhumargi (followers of Sadhus, i.e., ascetics).

Diagram comparing Digambara and Svetambara schools of Jainism, outlining key beliefs and notable exponents. It includes sub-sects for each school, with Digambara divided into major and minor sub-sects, and Svetambara listing three sub-sects, accompanied by a silhouette of a meditating figure and decorative elements.