UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, BUDDHIST, JAINA, GANDHIAN AND PEACE STUDIES, June – 2025

Total Questions: 100

11. Noble Truths are:

Correct Answer: 3. 4
Solution:

The Four Noble Truths form the core of Buddhist teachings. They are:
1. The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
2. The cause of suffering (Samudaya)
3. The cessation of suffering (Nirodha)
4. The path leading to the cessation of suffering (Magga)
These truths diagnose the human condition and prescribe the way to liberation.

12. Right view is:

Correct Answer: 3. Prajnа
Solution:

The Right View (Samma Ditthi) is the first component of the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism. It belongs to the category of Prajna (wisdom), which also includes Right Intention. Right View means seeing reality as it is - understanding the Four Noble Truths and the law of karma. It lays the foundation for correct ethical conduct and meditation.

13. The Anekantavada is:

Correct Answer: 1. To understand the multiple aspects of the reality.
Solution:

Anekantavada is a Jain philosophical doctrine meaning "non-one-sidedness" or "many-sided reality." It teaches that truth and reality are perceived differently from different points of view, and no single perspective can claim absolute truth. This doctrine fosters intellectual tolerance and a deeper understanding of complexity in reality.

14. Avagraha, Iha, Avaya and Dharana are:

Correct Answer: 4. Sensory knowledge
Solution:

In Jain epistemology, knowledge acquired through the senses is known as Mati Jnana (sensory knowledge). It passes through four cognitive
stages:
• Avagraha - initial grasping of sense data
• Iha - intellectual search or inquiry
• Avaya - final judgment
• Dharana - retention or holding of knowledge
These stages reflect the Jain emphasis on detailed cognitive processing of sensory input.

15. The first vow of the Jain monks' is:

Correct Answer: 3. Non-violence
Solution:

The first and most important vow taken by Jain monks is Ahimsa (Non-violence). It means abstaining from causing harm to any living being - not only through action but also in words and thoughts.
It is the foundational principle of Jain ethics, shaping how monks walk, speak, eat, and think.

16. The ultimate goal of life, according to Jainism is:

Correct Answer: 3. Salvation
Solution:

In Jainism, the ultimate goal of life is Moksha (Salvation or Liberation)-freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). This is achieved by overcoming all karmic bondage through ethical living, asceticism, and spiritual purity. While principles like non-violence and celibacy are crucial, they are means to the end goal of Salvation.

17. Sayyambhava is the author of this text:

Correct Answer: 3. Dasavaikalika Sutra
Solution:

Sayyambhava was a prominent Jain Acharya and is credited with composing the Dasavaikalika Sutra, one of the important texts of the Svetambara Jain tradition. It is a foundational scripture for Jain monks, laying down the code of conduct, especially for novice ascetics.

18. Identify the correct pair:

Correct Answer: 2. Parsvanatha - Sammedasikhara
Solution:

Among the given options, the correct association is:

  • Parsvanatha - Sammedasikhara: Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, attained moksha at Sammeda Shikhar (also known as Shikharji), which is a revered Jain pilgrimage site in present-day Jharkhand.

Other pairs are incorrect:

  • Rsabhadeva is associated with Ayodhya, not Sauriyapura.
  • Mahavira was born in Kundalagrama, not Varanasi.
  • Neminatha was associated with Girnar, not Kundalapura.

19. The Tirthankara Rsabhadeva attained salvation at:

Correct Answer: 3. Astapada
Solution:

Rsabhadeva, the first Tirthankara in Jainism, is believed to have attained salvation at Mount Astapada, which is traditionally associated with the Himalayas. It is considered a sacred mountain in Jain cosmology, though its exact location is debated historically.

20. According to Cycle of time in Jainism, the forth spoke of progressive half cycle (Utsarpinikala) is:

Correct Answer: 2. Susama - Dusama
Solution:

In Jain cosmology, time is eternal and moves in cycles divided into two halves:

  • Avasarpini (descending half-cycle - decline of happiness), and
  • Utsarpini (ascending half-cycle - rise of happiness).

Each half is further divided into six aras (spokes/ epochs). In the Utsarpini (progressive half), happiness steadily increases:
1. Dusama-Dusama.→ The era of complete sorrow, the lowest point.
2. Dusama → The era of sorrow.
3. Dusama-Susama → An era of great sorrow with very little happiness.
4. Susama-Dusama → An era of significant happiness, but with some sorrow mixed in.
5. Susama → An era of happiness.
6. Susama-Susama → The era of complete happiness, the highest point.