Prelims 2013 · archive
MediumWhich of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
- 1.The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
- 2.Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
- 3.Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Jainism holds that karma binds the soul and is shed mainly by penance, that souls (jiva) exist even in the smallest particles of matter, and that karma must be ended for the soul to be free. All three statements reflect Jain teaching.
- ✓ 1. Jain teaching holds that asceticism and penance free the soul from karma.
- ✓ 2. Jains hold that souls (jiva) exist even in the smallest particles of earth, water, fire and air.
- ✓ 3. Karma binds the soul to rebirth and must be shed for liberation.
Remember · Jain doctrine: karma binds the soul, penance and ahimsa free it; souls exist even in particles of matter.
📘 Read it in NCERT: Class 12 Themes in Indian History, Part I, Ch 4 (practise this chapter)
Sources
- Britannica: Jainism ↗ · reference work “The accumulation of karma impedes liberation by binding the soul to physical bodies through rebirths.”
- NCERT Class 12 · Themes in Indian History, Part I, Chapter 4 “Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2013, General Studies paper. UPSC did not publish an answer key for 2013: the answer shown is the one the sources above support. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 24 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·