With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

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UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2018 UPSC Prelims History paper.

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Question

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — JainismStep-by-step Solution:The Sthanakvasi (or Sthanakavasi) is a sect of Jainism, specifically a sub-sect of Shvetambara Jainism. It was founded by a merchant named Lavaji in 1653 AD as a reformation movement within Jainism.The distinguishing feature of the Sthanakvasi sect is its belief that idol worship is not essential for spiritual progress or attaining moksha. They do not worship images of tirthankaras in temples — unlike mainstream Shvetambara Jains. Sthanakvasis worship in halls called 'Sthanakas' (meeting halls/prayer houses) rather than in temples, hence the name Sthanakvasi (those who worship in halls/sthanakas).The Sthanakvasi sect is essentially a reformation of the teachings of Lonka Shah (Lokashah), a 15th-century Jain reformer who also rejected idol worship. The Sthanakvasis accept 32 of the Jain Agamas (canonical scriptures) — fewer than the full Shvetambara canon. They are identified by their monks and nuns wearing a muhapatti (mouth cloth) at all times to avoid harming air organisms.Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Buddhism): Buddhism has its own sects (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana) — Sthanakvasi is not among them.Option C (Vaishnavism): Vaishnavism is a Hindu tradition centred on the worship of Vishnu and his avatars. Sthanakvasi is a Jain sect — completely separate tradition.Option D (Shaivism): Shaivism is a Hindu tradition centred on Lord Shiva. No connection to Sthanakvasi.Key Concept: Major Jain sects: (1) Digambara — monks go naked (sky-clad); believe women cannot attain moksha; do not accept the existing Agamas; (2) Shvetambara — monks wear white clothes; believe women can attain moksha; accept the Agamas. Shvetambara sub-sects: Murtipujaka (idol worshippers); Sthanakvasi (non-idol, worship in halls); Terapanthi (founded 1760, strict non-idol). All Jain sects follow the Five Vows (Pancha Mahavrata): non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession.

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

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With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

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