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Prelims 2022 · Q55 · Buddhism & Jainism

With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts :

  1. 1.Nettipakarana
  2. 2.Parishishtaparvan
  3. 3.Avadanashataka
  4. 4.Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts ?

Show answer

Answer: B. Parishishtaparvan by Hemachandra is a Jaina text on the history of Jaina teachers. Trishashti Lakshana Mahapurana by Jinasena and Gunabhadra is a Jaina text on the 63 great figures. Nettipakarana is a Pali Buddhist text and Avadanashataka is a Sanskrit Buddhist collection of stories. So 2 and 4 only.

Watch for: Sanskrit titles look alike; the 'Avadana' and 'Netti' texts are Buddhist.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Wrong because Nettipakarana and Avadanashataka are Buddhist.
  • C. Wrong because Nettipakarana and Avadanashataka are Buddhist.
  • D. Wrong because Avadanashataka is Buddhist.

Source to check: Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India, chapters on literary sources

Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.