Question Details

With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:

1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts ?

Options

A

1, 2 and 3

B

2 and 4 only

C

1, 3 and 4

D

2, 3 and 4

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

2 and 4 only

Solution :

The correct option is 2 and 4 only.

To identify the Jaina texts among the options, let us examine the origin and nature of each text listed:
1. Nettipakarana: This is a famous Buddhist text written in Pali. It serves as a guide or manual for understanding and interpreting the teachings (Dhamma) of the Buddha. Since it belongs to the Buddhist canon, it is not a Jaina text.
2. Parishishtaparvan: Also known as the Sthaviravalicharitra, this is a major Jaina text written by the prominent 12th-century Jaina scholar Acharya Hemachandra. It details the history of early Jaina teachers and provides valuable insights into contemporary political history, such as the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. Thus, it is a Jaina text.
3. Avadanashataka: This is an ancient Sanskrit text consisting of one hundred Buddhist legends (avadanas) illustrating the working of karma and religious moral actions. It is a Buddhist canonical text and is not associated with Jainism.
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana: Commonly referred to as the Mahapurana, this is an important Sanskrit Jaina text. It was composed primarily by Jinasena and completed by his disciple Gunabhadra during the 9th century CE. It describes the lives of the 63 illustrious figures (Shalakapurushas) of Jaina mythology. Thus, it is a Jaina text.

Based on this analysis, the texts that belong to the Jaina tradition are 2 (Parishishtaparvan) and 4 (Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana).

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