Question

Jainism was divided into two sects called _______.
A: Kapalika and Kalamukha
B: Mahayana and Hinayana
C: Ajivika and Nyasa Vaisesika
D: Svetambara and Digambara

Answer 1

Hint: Jainism is an ancient religion of India. There were twenty-four spiritual leaders in Jain Dharma who are known as tirthankaras. The first tirthankara of Jain Dharma was Rishabhanatha, the twenty-third tirthankara was Parshvanatha and the last and twenty-fourth tirthankara was Mahavira.

Complete Step by Step Answer:

Option A: Kapalika and Kalamukha are the groups of devotees of Shiva. The Kapalikas are the worshippers of Kapalin which means the skull bearer. Kapalin is the name of Shiva. The Kalamukhas are the devotees with black tilak. Both Kapalikas and Kalamukhas are designated as the observers of the great vows. Kapalika and Kalamukha are not the sects of jainism. This is an incorrect answer.

Option B: Mahayana and Hinayana are the two main sects of Buddhism. Mahyana Buddhists believe that the Buddha is a Godly figure and Hinayana Buddhists believe that Buddha was an ordinary man. Mahayana and Hinayana are not the sects of jainism. This is an incorrect answer.

Option C: Ajivika is an ascetic sect which emerged at the same time as Jainism and Buddhism in India and lasted till the 14th century. Nyasa Vaisesika is related to ancient Indian philosophy. Ajivika and Nyasa Vaisesika are not the sects of jainism. This is an incorrect answer.

Option D: Svetambara and Digambara are the two sects of Jain Dharm which are divided on the basis of difference in their beliefs and ascetic practices. Hence it is clear that Jainism was divided into two sects namely Svetambara and Digambara. This is the correct answer.

Option D is the correct answer because Swetambara and Digambara are two sects of Jainism.

Note: Svetambara and Digambara sects emerged about the 3rd century BCE. Remember the time period when these sub sects of Jaina Dharma emerged.