UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 29
"Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (Jainism)
Explanation: Jain thought recognizes jiva (living soul) in many entities, including one-sensed earth-bodied and water-bodied beings.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Buddhism rejects a permanent individual soul through the doctrine of anatta.
B. Correct-Jainism recognizes souls even in forms of earth, water, fire, air and plants.
C. Incorrect-Shaivism worships Shiva; this universal classification of jivas is characteristically Jain.
D. Incorrect-Vaishnavism centers on Vishnu and does not express this distinctive Jain enumeration.