With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts : 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishtaparvan 3. Avadanashataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts ?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Why the answer is (b)

• The Parishishtaparvan by Hemachandra (12th century) is a Jaina work narrating the lives of Jain teachers and containing valuable accounts of the Mauryas and Chandragupta's conversion to Jainism — item 2 is Jaina.

• The Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (Mahapurana of Jinasena and Gunabhadra, 9th century) is the great Digambara Jaina narrative of 63 illustrious persons — item 4 is Jaina.

• The Nettipakarana is a Pali Buddhist treatise on interpreting the Buddha's teaching, and the Avadanashataka is a Sanskrit Buddhist collection of a hundred legends — items 1 and 3 are Buddhist.

• Hence 2 and 4 only, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3: Nettipakarana and Avadanashataka are Buddhist, not Jaina.
(c) 1, 3 and 4: Nettipakarana and Avadanashataka are Buddhist texts.
(d) 2, 3 and 4: Avadanashataka is Buddhist.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.