Jainism

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Besnagar (Bhilsa or Vidisha) in Madhya Pradesh, is not particularly well-known for a Shaivite cave shrine. Archaeological excavations revealed remains of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples, but the site is more famous for the Heliodorus Pillar, an ancient Garuda pillar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pair 2 is correctly matched: Bhaja Caves (near Pune, Maharashtra) are a group of 22 rock-cut caves built during the 2nd century BC and are well known for their Buddhist architecture and sculptures. Pair 3 is correctly matched: Sittanavasal (Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu) is a village known for its Jain cave shrine, considered to be among the oldest Jain monuments in India.

* The statement "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects" reflects a core belief of Jainism. * Jainism emphasises the principle of Anekantavada, which means "many-sidedness" or "multiplicity of viewpoints." This philosophy acknowledges the existence of souls (jivas) in all living beings and even some non-living things. * By emphasizing on the principle of respect for all life, Jains believe in ahimsa (non-violence) and strive to minimise harm to all living beings, including even microorganisms and plants. Extending this principle to seemingly inanimate objects reflects their reverence for all existence.

The Nettipakarana is a Buddhist text, specifically part of the Theravada Buddhist canon within the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka. It is not associated with Jainism. Conversely, the Parishishtaparvan is indeed a Jaina text. Authored by the 12th-century scholar Hemachandra, it reflects the rich tradition of Jain literature. The Avadanashataka, known for its collection of Hundred Legends, forms a part of the Sanskrit Buddhist literature and is not a Jain work. Lastly, the Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (or Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra) is a significant Jain text by Acharya Hemachandra, detailing the lives of 63 eminent figures in Jainism. NOTE: Anytime you come across the word ‘Avadana’, just remember that it belongs to Buddhism. Hence, this was an easy elimination question.

Parivrajaka: This refers to a wandering ascetic or religious mendicant who has renounced worldly possessions and leads a life of spiritual pilgrimage. Shramana: Shramanas were ascetics who practised austerity and self-discipline, they were not necessarily high-status priests. Shramana refers to a broader movement that includes Jainism and Buddhism, not limited to a specific religion or social hierarchy. Thus, statement 2 is incorrectly matched. Upasaka: An Upasaka refers to a lay follower of Buddhism, someone who observes the five precepts and practices Buddhism without becoming a monk.

The Sthanakvasi sect is a subsect of Jainism. It is known for its emphasis on ascetic practices and the abandonment of idol worship. Members of the Sthanakvasi sect believe in the concept of Sthanak or a place for meditation, hence the name "Sthanakvasi," which translates to "those who dwell in a place for meditation."

Statement 1 is incorrect. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were not sects of Jainism but rather were Buddhist philosophical schools.
Sautrantika was a Buddhist philosophical school that relied primarily on the sutras (discourses) of the Buddha, as opposed to the Abhidharma (the Buddhist systematic philosophy).
Sammitiya was a Buddhist school that held the view that the self (atman) exists, which was in contrast to the mainstream Buddhist view of anatta (non-self). Statement 2 is correct. Sarvastivada was a major Buddhist philosophical school that held the view of "sarvam asti" or "everything exists".
The Sarvastivadins believed that the constituents of phenomena (dharmas) did not merely exist in the present moment, but had a real and permanent existence in the past, present, and future.
This was in contrast to the Theravada Buddhist view of momentariness, where all phenomena are considered to be constantly arising and passing away.

Jainisms, Indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence (ahimsa, literally noninjury) to all living creatures. Statement 1 is correct: The annihilation (nirjara) of karma comes about through penance. Statement 2 is correct: Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of entities such as stones, rocks, running water, and many other natural objects not looked upon as living by other sects. Statement 3 is correct: The Jaina holds that every living and non-living being is gifted with souls. They are obstructed by karma, just as the natural light of the sun is hindered by clouds. By removing the karma, a soul can remove bondage and regain its natural perfections.