Jainism Bit Bank in English 1-50

Jainism Free Mock Test 

Jainism Bit Bank in English 1-50

Jainism and Mahavira Bit Bank (Questions 1-50)

Q1: What was Mahavira’s name before he became known as Mahavira?

A) Siddhartha B) Vardhamana C) Gautama D) Rishabhadeva

💡 B) Vardhamana

Q2: In which year was Mahavira born?

A) 599 BC B) 540 BC C) 563 BC D) 483 BC

💡 B) 540 BC

Q3: Mahavira’s father, Siddhartha, was the head of which Kshatriya clan?

A) Sakyas B) Jantrikas C) Lichchhavis D) Mauryas

💡 B) Jantrikas

Q4: Who was Mahavira’s mother?

A) Yasoda B) Trisala C) Maya D) Anojja

💡 B) Trisala

Q5: To whom was Mahavira married?

A) Trisala B) Yasoda C) Anogna D) Gopa

💡 B) Yasoda

Q6: What was the name of Mahavira’s daughter?

A) Sanghamitra B) Anojja C) Sundari D) Maya

💡 B) Anojja

Q7: At what age did Mahavira become an ascetic?

A) 25 B) 30 C) 35 D) 40

💡 B) 30

Q8: How many years did Mahavira roam as an ascetic before attaining kaivalya?

A) 8 years B) 10 years C) 12 years D) 15 years

💡 B) 10 years

Q9: At what age did Mahavira attain kaivalya (Perfect Knowledge)?

A) 30 B) 42 C) 50 D) 60

💡 B) 42

Q10: Where did Mahavira attain kaivalya?

A) Pavapuri B) Jrimbhikagrama C) Vaisali D) Pataliputra

💡 B) Jrimbhikagrama

Q11: How long did Mahavira preach after attaining kaivalya?

A) 20 years B) 30 years C) 40 years D) 50 years

💡 B) 30 years

Q12: At what age did Mahavira pass away?

A) 60 B) 72 C) 80 D) 90

💡 B) 72

Q13: Where did Mahavira die?

A) Vaisali B) Pavapuri C) Sravana Belgola D) Ujjain

💡 B) Pavapuri

Q14: What was the name of the sect founded by Mahavira?

A) Digambaras B) Nirgranthas C) Svetambaras D) Ajivikas

💡 B) Nirgranthas

Q15: What title was given to Mahavira and his followers?

A) Buddhas B) Jinas C) Arhats D) Tirthankaras

💡 B) Jinas

Q16: What was the main teaching of Mahavira?

A) Caste system B) Non-violence (Ahimsa) C) Devotion D) Sacrifice

💡 B) Non-violence (Ahimsa)

Q17: Who was Mahavira’s contemporary and an important religious figure?

A) Chandragupta Maurya B) Gautama Buddha C) Ashoka D) Bhadrabahu

💡 B) Gautama Buddha

Q18: What term is used for the followers of Mahavira?

A) Buddhists B) Jains C) Sikhs D) Ajivikas

💡 B) Jains

Q19: Mahavira’s philosophy and teachings were compiled into which text?

A) Vedas B) Agamas C) Puranas D) Upanishads

💡 B) Agamas

Q20: How many Tirthankaras are there in Jainism?

A) 12 B) 24 C) 36 D) 48

💡 B) 24

Q21: What animal is associated with Mahavira as his symbol?

A) Elephant B) Lion C) Bull D) Snake

💡 B) Lion

Q22: Mahavira’s teachings primarily focused on liberating the soul from:

A) Wealth B) Rebirth C) Society D) Desire

💡 B) Rebirth

Q23: Which of the following was NOT a principle in Mahavira’s teachings?

A) Non-violence B) Truthfulness C) Caste system D) Non-possession

💡 C) Caste system

Q24: Where did Mahavira achieve spiritual knowledge under a tree?

A) Bodh Gaya B) Jrimbhikagrama C) Sarnath D) Kushinagar

💡 B) Jrimbhikagrama

Q25: In Jainism, what does the term "Kaivalya" refer to?

A) Liberation B) Perfect knowledge C) Asceticism D) Meditation

💡 B) Perfect knowledge

Q26: What significant event occurred at Pavapuri in Mahavira’s life?

A) His birth B) His enlightenment C) His death D) His marriage

💡 C) His death

Q27: Mahavira’s teachings were mainly centered around which concepts?

A) Vedic rituals B) Liberation and Non-violence C) Social hierarchy D) Devotion

💡 B) Liberation and Non-violence

Q28: Which animal is associated with the Tirthankara Ajita?

A) Lion B) Elephant C) Horse D) Bull

💡 B) Elephant

Q29: Mahavira emphasized self-discipline through which practice?

A) Charity B) Asceticism C) Pilgrimage D) Yoga

💡 B) Asceticism

Q30: In which region of ancient India was Mahavira born?

A) Magadha B) Kosala C) Vaisali D) Avanti

💡 C) Vaisali

Q31: Who was Mahavira’s first teacher after he left his family?

A) Bhadrabahu B) Gosala Maskariputra C) Sudharman D) Sthulabahu

💡 B) Gosala Maskariputra

Q32: Mahavira’s teachings had a strong influence on which aspect of life?

A) Political reform B) Social reform and ethics C) Economic systems D) Military strategies

💡 B) Social reform and ethics

Q33: Which principle did Mahavira add to the cardinal principles of Jainism?

A) Non-violence B) Truthfulness C) Observing continence (Brahmacharya) D) Non-stealing

💡 C) Observing continence (Brahmacharya)

Q34: What are the five cardinal principles of Jainism called when strictly observed by monks?

A) Anuvratas B) Mahavratas C) Ratnatraya D) Syadvada

💡 B) Mahavratas

Q35: What is the ultimate aim of life in Jainism according to Mahavira’s teachings?

A) Wealth accumulation B) Liberation (Moksha) C) Social status D) Knowledge acquisition

💡 B) Liberation (Moksha)

Q36: What is the ethical code for lay followers in Jainism called?

A) Mahavratas B) Anuvratas C) Ratnatraya D) Anekantavada

💡 B) Anuvratas

Q37: What are the three main teachings of Jainism referred to as the Ratnatraya?

A) Faith, Devotion, Charity B) Knowledge, Action, Liberation C) Truth, Non-violence, Asceticism D) Meditation, Prayer, Fasting

💡 B) Knowledge, Action, Liberation

Q38: According to Mahavira, what are the two primary substances that exist in the world?

A) Fire and Water B) Matter and Soul C) Earth and Air D) Body and Mind

💡 B) Matter and Soul

Q39: What did Mahavira believe causes the soul to be in bondage?

A) Wealth B) Ignorance and Karma C) Society D) Desire

💡 B) Ignorance and Karma

Q40: What is the final liberation of the soul called in Jainism?

A) Nirvana B) Moksha C) Kaivalya D) Samsara

💡 B) Moksha

Q41: What did Mahavira reject and object to in his teachings?

A) Asceticism B) Vedic rituals and Brahmin supremacy C) Non-violence D) Meditation

💡 B) Vedic rituals and Brahmin supremacy

Q42: Where did Jaina monks migrate after the famine in the Ganges valley?

A) North India B) The Deccan and South India C) Central Asia D) Western India

💡 B) The Deccan and South India

Q43: Who led the Jaina monks’ migration to South India after the famine?

A) Sudharman B) Bhadrabahu C) Sthulabahu D) Hemachandra

💡 B) Bhadrabahu

Q44: What caused the division of Jainism into two main sects?

A) Language differences B) Changes in the code of conduct after the famine C) Royal patronage disputes D) Scriptural disagreements

💡 B) Changes in the code of conduct after the famine

Q45: What are the two main sects of Jainism that emerged after the famine?

A) Nirgranthas and Ajivikas B) Digambaras and Svetambaras C) Samaiyas and Terapantis D) Mahayana and Theravada

💡 B) Digambaras and Svetambaras

Q46: What characterizes the Digambara sect of Jainism?

A) They wear white clothing B) They believe in complete renunciation, including clothing C) They reject asceticism D) They follow Vedic rituals

💡 B) They believe in complete renunciation, including clothing

Q47: How does the Svetambara sect differ from the Digambara sect?

A) They reject non-violence B) They wear white clothing C) They do not believe in Tirthankaras D) They emphasize caste hierarchy

💡 B) They wear white clothing

Q48: Where was the first Jaina Council held?

A) Vallabhi B) Pataliputra C) Sravana Belgola D) Mathura

💡 B) Pataliputra

Q49: Who chaired the first Jaina Council held at Pataliputra?

A) Bhadrabahu B) Sthulabahu C) Devardhi D) Sudharman

💡 B) Sthulabahu

Q50: What was the outcome of the first Jaina Council held at Pataliputra?

A) Division into sects B) Compilation of 12 Angas by the Svetambaras C) Migration to South India D) Establishment of new temples

💡 B) Compilation of 12 Angas by the Svetambaras

UGC JRF NET Political Science Notes Rights, Democracy, Power, and Citizenship

Political Science Notes

UGC JRF NET Political Science Notes Rights, Democracy, Power, and Citizenship

Rights, Democracy, Power, and Citizenship

Rights

In political science, rights refer to entitlements or freedoms that individuals or groups possess, often recognized and protected by a governing authority, such as a state or constitution. These can be broadly categorized into:

Natural Rights: Inherent to individuals by virtue of being human (e.g., life, liberty, and property, as emphasized by thinkers like John Locke).

Legal Rights: Granted and enforced by laws within a political system (e.g., the right to vote or free speech).

Civil Rights: Protections against discrimination and guarantees of equal treatment (e.g., rights to equality under the law).

Political Rights: Enable participation in governance (e.g., voting, running for office).

Social/Economic Rights: Ensure access to basic needs like education, healthcare, or housing, often debated in terms of state responsibility.

Rights are foundational to political legitimacy, as they define the relationship between individuals and the state, balancing individual autonomy with collective order.

Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is derived from the people, typically exercised through participation, representation, and consent. In political science, it’s analyzed through:

Direct Democracy: Citizens directly decide policies (e.g., ancient Athens or modern referendums).

Representative Democracy: Elected officials act on behalf of the populace (e.g., modern liberal democracies like the U.S. or UK).

Key principles include popular sovereignty (the people as the ultimate authority), political equality (one person, one vote), and majority rule tempered by minority rights.

Variants include liberal democracy (emphasizing individual rights and rule of law) and illiberal democracy (where elections occur but freedoms are curtailed).

Democracy is studied for its mechanisms (elections, deliberation) and its challenges (e.g., voter apathy, populism, or elite capture).

Power

Power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of people, institutions, or resources within a political system. Political science examines power as:

Coercive Power: Based on force or threat (e.g., state monopoly on violence, as per Max Weber).

Legitimate Power: Accepted as rightful by those subject to it (e.g., authority of elected leaders).

Soft Power: Influence through persuasion or culture (e.g., diplomatic influence).

Relational Power: Arising from interactions, as in bargaining or alliances.

Theorists like Michel Foucault view power as diffuse, embedded in social structures, while others, like Robert Dahl, focus on who wields it in decision-making. Power is central to understanding governance, conflict, and the distribution of resources.

Citizenship

Citizenship defines membership in a political community, conferring rights, duties, and a sense of belonging. In political science, it’s explored as:

Legal Status: Formal recognition by a state, granting rights (e.g., voting) and obligations (e.g., taxes, military service).

Participatory Role: Active engagement in civic life, as emphasized by republican traditions (e.g., Aristotle’s ideal of the involved citizen).

Identity: A sense of shared values or nationality, often contested in diverse societies.

Models include liberal citizenship (focused on individual rights), civic-republican citizenship (emphasizing duty), and multicultural citizenship (accommodating group differences).

Citizenship raises questions about inclusion/exclusion (e.g., immigrants, stateless persons) and the balance between rights and responsibilities.

Interconnections

These concepts are deeply intertwined: Rights empower citizens and legitimize democracy; Democracy channels power through citizen participation; Power shapes who gets to define citizenship and enjoy rights; and Citizenship provides the framework for exercising democratic rights and wielding power. Political science analyzes how these dynamics play out in practice, from stable democracies to authoritarian regimes.

 

UGC JRF NET Political Science study material - Concepts - Liberty Equality Justice

Political Science Notes 

 UGC JRF NET Political Science study material - Concepts - Liberty Equality Justice

In political science, liberty, equality, and justice are foundational concepts that shape the study of governance, power, and societal organization. These principles are often interwoven, serving as ideals that political systems strive to achieve or balance, while their interpretations and applications vary across ideologies, regimes, and historical contexts. Below, I explain each concept in the context of political science, drawing on their theoretical underpinnings and practical implications.

1. Liberty

Definition: Liberty refers to the condition of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on an individual’s behavior, thought, or way of life. In political science, it is the ability of individuals or groups to exercise autonomy and self-determination within a political system.

Theoretical Context:

Negative Liberty: Articulated by thinkers like Isaiah Berlin and John Stuart Mill, negative liberty emphasizes freedom from interference by the state or others. It prioritizes individual autonomy, limiting government action to protect personal rights (e.g., freedom of speech, religion). For Mill, liberty is safeguarded when individuals can pursue their own good without harming others, as outlined in his harm principle (On Liberty, 1859).

Positive Liberty: Berlin also contrasts this with positive liberty, freedom to achieve self-realization or collective goals, often requiring state intervention (e.g., education, welfare). Rousseau’s concept of the "general will" (The Social Contract, 1762) ties positive liberty to participation in a collective system that reflects communal aspirations.

Classical Liberalism vs. Republicanism: Liberalism (e.g., Locke) views liberty as inherent rights protected by limited government, while republicanism (e.g., Machiavelli) sees it as freedom from domination, achieved through active citizenship and civic virtue.

Political Implications:

Individual vs. Collective: Liberty debates center on balancing individual freedoms (e.g., property rights) with collective needs (e.g., security). Authoritarian regimes restrict liberty for stability, while democracies prioritize it, often clashing over its scope (e.g., surveillance vs. privacy).

Telangana Context: In the Telangana Movement (1952–1970), liberty manifested as resistance to Andhra-dominated governance, seeking autonomy over cultural identity, employment (Mulki Rules), and resources. Students’ demands for self-determination reflect positive liberty, pursued through bandhs and protests against external control.

Liberty is dynamic—its protection or expansion often fuels political conflict. Excessive negative liberty can lead to inequality (e.g., unchecked markets), while overemphasized positive liberty risks authoritarianism (e.g., state overreach). Political systems must navigate this tension.

2. Equality

Definition: Equality in political science denotes the principle that all individuals or groups possess the same inherent worth, rights, or opportunities within a political framework. It seeks to eliminate unjust disparities in treatment or status.

Theoretical Context:

Formal Equality: Rooted in liberalism (e.g., Locke’s Two Treatises of Government, 1689), this is equality under the law—equal rights and legal protections regardless of status. It underpins constitutional democracies (e.g., "all men are created equal" in the U.S. Declaration of Independence).

Substantive Equality: Advocated by socialists and egalitarians (e.g., Marx, Rawls), this goes beyond legal parity to address socioeconomic disparities, requiring active redistribution (e.g., welfare, affirmative action). Rawls’ difference principle (A Theory of Justice, 1971) justifies inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged.

Equality of Opportunity vs. Outcome: Opportunity equality ensures fair starting points (e.g., education access), while outcome equality seeks uniform results (e.g., wealth distribution), a divide between liberalism and socialism.

Political Implications:

Power and Privilege: Equality challenges hierarchies—class, caste, gender, or region—driving movements against discrimination. Political systems vary: liberal democracies emphasize formal equality, while socialist states pursue substantive equality, often sacrificing some liberties.

Telangana Context: The movement demanded equality in employment (Mulki Rules), education, and development, highlighting disparities with Andhra (e.g., Pochampadu budget cuts from 40 to 6 crores). Protests against Non-Mulki job usurpation and Andhra’s economic dominance reflect a push for substantive equality, beyond mere legal rights.

Analysis: Equality is contested—formal equality can mask structural inequities (e.g., Telangana’s marginalization), while substantive equality risks resistance from privileged groups (e.g., Andhra counter-agitations). Political stability often hinges on addressing these gaps without alienating stakeholders.

3. Justice

Definition: Justice is the principle of fairness in distributing rights, resources, and punishments within a society. In political science, it is the moral and practical framework for adjudicating conflicts and ensuring a just order.

Theoretical Context:

Distributive Justice: Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics) and Rawls emphasize fair allocation of goods and burdens. Rawls’ veil of ignorance proposes justice as policies chosen without knowledge of one’s position, prioritizing equity (A Theory of Justice, 1971).

Retributive Justice: Focused on punishment, this (e.g., Hobbes, Leviathan, 1651) ensures wrongdoers face proportionate consequences, maintaining order through deterrence.

Procedural Justice: Emphasizes fair processes (e.g., due process), ensuring legitimacy in outcomes regardless of results, a cornerstone of legal systems.

Social Justice: Modern thinkers (e.g., Amartya Sen) expand justice to include capability and inclusion, addressing systemic inequalities (e.g., gender, caste).

Political Implications:

Legitimacy and Conflict: Justice legitimizes governance—unjust systems (e.g., corruption, discrimination) provoke unrest. Revolutions often stem from perceived injustice, demanding redistributive or retributive remedies.

Telangana Context: The movement sought distributive justice—fair resource allocation (e.g., irrigation, jobs)—and retributive justice against police brutality (e.g., inquiries into 1952 and 1969 shootings, 25+ deaths). Students’ fasts (e.g., Ravindranath’s) and demands for statehood reflect a quest for social justice, addressing systemic neglect (e.g., industrial decline).

Analysis: Justice integrates liberty and equality—liberty without justice can perpetuate inequality, while equality without justice lacks enforcement. Political systems are judged by their justice delivery, with failures (e.g., Telangana’s unheeded demands) fueling dissent.

Interconnections and Tensions

Liberty and Equality: Excessive liberty (e.g., market freedom) can undermine equality (e.g., wealth gaps), while absolute equality (e.g., forced redistribution) may curtail liberty (e.g., property rights). Liberal democracies balance these via regulated freedoms (e.g., Mulki Rules).

Equality and Justice: Equality without justice is hollow—legal parity means little if resources are unjustly skewed (e.g., Andhra’s fertilizer diversion). Justice operationalizes equality through fair policies.

Liberty and Justice: Liberty requires just limits—unrestrained freedom (e.g., Non-Mulki job grabs) can harm others, necessitating justice to protect rights (e.g., Telangana’s agitation).

Telangana Application: Students sought liberty (autonomy from Andhra), equality (job and resource parity), and justice (redress for discrimination), evident in bandhs (March 3, 1969), fasts (Ravindranath’s), and clashes (25+ deaths, 1,500+ arrests). The movement’s failure to secure statehood by 1970 reflects the state’s prioritization of unity over these ideals.

 

In political science, liberty, equality, and justice are aspirational yet contested. Liberty empowers agency, equality levels disparities, and justice ensures fairness, forming a triad that evaluates governance. The Telangana Movement exemplifies their interplay—students’ pursuit of freedom from Andhra dominance, equality in opportunities, and justice against systemic bias drove a decades-long struggle, reshaping political discourse and culminating in statehood (2014). Their balance remains a perennial challenge, defining the legitimacy and efficacy of political systems worldwide.