Q. Which of the following entities or concepts were directly associated with the organized religious order established by Vardhamana Mahavira?
1.Gandharas: Chief disciples presiding over monastic groups.
2.Pava: Location of his first sermon and establishment of the Jaina Sangha.
3.Mahasanghikas: Schismatic monastic faction formed at his first sermon.
4.Upasakas: Lay male followers of the Jain order.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- 1 is correct: Mahavira’s 11 primary disciples were known as Gandharas (or Ganadharas), who led different sections of his followers.
- 2 is correct: Mahavira delivered his first sermon at Pava (Pavapuri) to his 11 Gandharas, where he formally established the Jain Sangha.
- 3 is incorrect: The Mahasanghikas were an early Buddhist school that emerged following the schism at the Second Buddhist Council in Vaishali, having no relation to Mahavira’s order.
- 4 is correct: The Jain Sangha comprised four parts: Sadhus (monks), Sadhvis (nuns), Upasakas (laymen), and Upasikas (laywomen).
