With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
- (a) Buddhism
- (b) Jainism ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Vaishnavism
- (d) Shaivism
Why the answer is (b)
• Sthanakvasi is a sect of Shvetambara Jainism founded in the 17th century by Lavaji, growing out of the Lonka Shah reform movement; it rejects idol worship and temples and worships in sthanakas (halls) — option (b).
• Its monks wear the muhapatti (mouth cloth); the Terapanth later split from it.
• It is unrelated to Buddhism (a), Vaishnavism (c) or Shaivism (d).
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Buddhism
- Sthanakvasi is not a Buddhist sect.
- (c) Vaishnavism
- It is not a Vaishnava sect.
- (d) Shaivism
- It is not a Shaiva sect.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.