Consider the following statements regarding Jainism.
1. 24 Tirthankaras were responsible for the origin and development of the Jain religion and philosophy.
2. The Jains too do not believe in the Vedas, but they admit the existence of a soul.
3. The 22nd Tirthankara was Parsvanatha. The followers of Parsvanatha wore a white garment.
4. The 24th Tirthankara was Vardhamana Mahavira.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

1.Statement 1: 24 Tirthankaras were responsible for the origin and development of the Jain religion and philosophy.

• This statement is correct. Jainism has 24 Tirthankaras who are believed to be the spiritual leaders and role models, each of whom is credited with teaching and guiding the development of Jainism and its philosophy. These Tirthankaras are considered enlightened beings.

2.Statement 2: The Jains too do not believe in the Vedas, but they admit the existence of a soul.

• This statement is correct. Jainism does not believe in the Vedas, which is a key difference from Hinduism. However, Jains strongly believe in the existence of the soul (Jiva), and their philosophy centers around the concept of the soul's liberation.

3. Statement 3: The 22nd Tirthankara was Parsvanatha. The followers of Parsvanatha wore a white garment.

• This statement is incorrect. Parsvanatha was indeed the 23rd Tirthankara, not the 22nd (the 22nd was Neminatha). Furthermore, Parsvanatha's followers are traditionally depicted wearing simple robes, but they do not typically wear white. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is associated with the ascetic practice of wearing only white robes at times.

4. Statement 4: The 24th Tirthankara was Vardhamana Mahavira.

• This statement is correct. Vardhamana Mahavira is indeed the 24th and final Tirthankara in Jainism. He is one of the most significant figures in Jain philosophy and is often regarded as the founder of Jainism in its present form.

Information Booster:

Origin of Jainism:

• Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century BCE with Lord Mahavira.
• Tirthankaras: 24 great teachers who attained Moksha (liberation) while living, preaching their knowledge to others.
• Rishabhanatha was the first Tirthankara.
• The word 'Jain' comes from 'Jina' meaning the 'Conqueror'.

Vardhamana Mahavira (24th Tirthankara):

• Born in 540 BCE in Kundagrama (near Vaishali), to the Jnatrika clan.
• Father Siddharta was the head of the Kshatriya clan, and mother Trishala was from the royal family of Vaishali.
• At age 30, Mahavira renounced his home and became an ascetic.
• After 12 years of austerity, he attained Kaivalya (spiritual knowledge) at age 42.
• His symbol: Lion.
• Delivered his first sermon at Pava and traveled to places like Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, and Champa.
• Passed away in 468 BCE at Pavapuri, Bihar.

Tenets of Jainism:

The Three Jewels (Triratna) for Liberation:

1. Right Faith (Samyakdarshana)
2. Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana)
3. Right Action (Samyakcharita)

Five Doctrines (Main Principles):

1. Ahimsa: Non-violence (Do not harm any living being).
2. Satya: Truthfulness (Do not speak a lie).
3. Asteya: Non-stealing (Do not steal).
4. Aparigraha: Non-possession (Do not acquire property).
5. Brahmacharya: Celibacy (Observe continence).