55
Question 55
With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts :
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
AOptions
A
A) 1, 2 and 3
B
B) 2 and 4 only
C
C) 1, 3 and 4
D
D) 2, 3 and 4
BSolution
Identifying the religious affiliation of ancient and medieval Indian texts requires specific knowledge. Let's examine each text:
- 1. Nettipakarana: This is a PΔli Buddhist text, sometimes considered an ancillary work to the Theravada Buddhist canon.
- 2. Parishishtaparvan: This is a 12th-century Sanskrit epic poem by the Jaina scholar Hemachandra. It provides a historical narrative of the early Jaina teachers and important figures. Thus, it is a Jaina text.
- 3. Avadanashataka: This is a collection of Buddhist legends in Sanskrit, providing moral teachings through tales of past lives (avadanas). It is a Buddhist text.
- 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana: This is a major 9th-century Sanskrit epic poem by Jinasena and Gunabhadra, which details the lives of 63 illustrious persons (mahapurushas) in Jainism, including the Tirthankaras. It is a fundamental Jaina text.
Therefore, only 2 and 4 are Jaina texts.
CStrategy
For questions on ancient and medieval Indian history, especially regarding texts and their religious affiliations, create a categorized list of important literary works, noting their authors, language, and the religion/philosophy they belong to. Focus on distinguishing between Buddhist, Jaina, and Hindu (various schools) texts.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under Indian History, specifically 'Ancient and Medieval Indian History' and 'Indian Philosophy and Literature'.
EQuestion Analysis
Difficult. Requires precise knowledge of less common ancient and medieval texts and their religious context.