"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?
Show answer
Answer: B. Jainism holds that souls (jiva) exist not only in humans, animals and plants but also in earth, stones, water, fire and air. This is why Jains practise very strict non-violence.
Watch for: Buddhism and Jainism are often grouped together, but only Jainism teaches souls in all natural objects.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because Buddhism denies a permanent soul (anatta).
- C. Wrong because Shaivism does not teach souls in rocks and water.
- D. Wrong because Vaishnavism does not hold this belief.
Source to check: NCERT Class 12 Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (The message of Mahavira)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.