UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 23
With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts :
- Nettipakarana
- Parishishtaparvan
- Avadanashataka
- Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (2 and 4 only)
Explanation: Parishishtaparvan and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana belong to Jaina textual traditions; the other two works are Buddhist.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. False / does not qualify - Nettipakarana is a Pali Theravada Buddhist exegetical treatise.
2. True / qualifies - Hemachandra’s Parishishtaparvan narrates Jaina historical/religious traditions.
3. False / does not qualify - Avadānaśataka is a collection of Buddhist avadana stories.
4. True / qualifies - The Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (Jinasena/Gunabhadra tradition) is Jaina.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes 1 even though Nettipakarana is a Pali Theravada Buddhist exegetical treatise.; includes 3 even though Avadānaśataka is a collection of Buddhist avadana stories.; omits 4 even though The Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (Jinasena/Gunabhadra tradition) is Jaina.
B. Correct-selects exactly the correct statements/items identified above.
C. Incorrect-includes 1 even though Nettipakarana is a Pali Theravada Buddhist exegetical treatise.; includes 3 even though Avadānaśataka is a collection of Buddhist avadana stories.; omits 2 even though Hemachandra’s Parishishtaparvan narrates Jaina historical/religious traditions.
D. Incorrect-includes 3 even though Avadānaśataka is a collection of Buddhist avadana stories.