Question

Who was the last Jain tirthankara?

• A. Parshvanatha
• B. Rishabhanatha
• C. Mahavira
• D. Neminatha

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Mahavira

Jainism

• Vardhamana Mahavira, a contemporary of Sri Buddha, propagated Jainism. According to Jains, there are 24 thirthankaras. Mahavira was the 24th thirthankara.

• Jainism also emphasised on ahimsa. As in Buddhism, Jainism was also against vedic practices and caste system.

• Mahavira advised the people to lead right life by following the principles of right belief, right knowledge and right action. The Jain saints were abstained from telling lies, killing, stealing and acquiring wealth. They followed celibacy in life.

• Jainism encouraged construction of stone pillars, cave temples and statues. Eg: Statue of Gomatheshwar in Sravanabalgola in Karnataka.

• The separation of the followers of Jainism into Svetambaras and Digambaras resulted in the decline of the religion

• The common feature of Buddhism and Jainism was that they used the language of the common man - Pali and Prakrit- for propogating their ideologies