Who among the following was the first to become a Jaina nun?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) Chandana

Explanation:
• Chandana (also known as Chandanbala) was the daughter of King Dadhivahana of Anga (Champa). She is revered as the first female disciple and the head of the order of nuns (Sadhvis) under Lord Mahavira.
• Her life story is a classic Jain tale of piety; she was sold as a slave and suffered greatly but remained devoted. Mahavira accepted his first meal after achieving Kevala Jnana from her hands.
• Mahavira's Sangha was inclusive, consisting of four orders: monks (Sadhus), nuns (Sadhvis), laymen (Shravakas), and laywomen (Shravikas).
• Under Chandana's leadership, the order of nuns grew significantly, showing the prominence of women in the early Jain movement.

Information Booster:
• Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
• He preached in the common language of the people, Ardhamagadhi.

Additional Knowledge:
• Khema (Option B): She was a queen of King Bimbisara and became a famous Buddhist nun (one of the chief female disciples of Buddha).
• Sujata (Option C): The village girl who offered milk-rice to Siddhartha Gautama before his enlightenment.
• Trisala (Option D): The mother of Lord Mahavira and a Licchavi princess.