UPSC Prelims 2018 GS Paper I · Q71 of 100 History medium

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

  1. (a) Buddhism
  2. (b) Jainism ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) Vaishnavism
  4. (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.

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