✅ Answer: B) Anguttara NikayaThe 16 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the Anguttara Nikaya (Buddhist text) and the Bhagavati Sutra (Jain text). The four most powerful were Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti. Magadha ultimately emerged as the dominant power, forming the base for the Mauryan Empire.

✅ Answer: C) JrimbhikagramaMahavira attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience/enlightenment) at Jrimbhikagrama at the age of 42, after 12 years of intense asceticism. He died (attained Nirvana) at Pavapuri at age 72 (527 BCE). Lumbini is Buddha’s birthplace; Bodh Gaya is Buddha’s enlightenment place.

✅ Answer: B) JainismAnekantavada (doctrine of many-sidedness) is a key Jain philosophical concept. It states that truth has multiple aspects and no single perspective is complete. Related concept: Syadvada (doctrine of conditional predication) — every statement is conditional (“maybe”). These doctrines promote intellectual tolerance.

✅ Answer: C) DhammachakkapavattanaBuddha’s first sermon at Sarnath is called Dhammachakkapavattana (Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma). He preached to five disciples. This event is also called Dhamma Chakra Pravartana. Mahaparinirvana = Buddha’s death at Kushinara. Mahabhinishkramana = Great Renunciation (leaving palace).

✅ Answer: C) AshokaThe Third Buddhist Council (250 BCE) was held at Pataliputra under Ashoka’s patronage. It was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa. The Abhidhamma Pitaka was compiled. Heretics were expelled. Missionaries were sent abroad, including Mahinda and Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka. The Fourth Council was under Kanishka.

✅ Answer: C)This is a fundamental difference. Jainism believes in an eternal, indestructible soul (Jiva) that is bound by karma particles. Buddhism teaches Anatta (no-self) — there is no permanent, unchanging soul. This is one of the most important distinctions between the two religions, frequently asked in UPSC.

✅ Answer: B) AshokaThe Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh) was originally built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was later enlarged by the Shungas and Satavahanas. The famous toranas (gateways) were added by the Satavahanas. Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains relics of Buddha’s disciples Sariputra and Mahamoggallana.

✅ Answer: B) First non-Kshatriya dynastyThe Nanda dynasty (344–321 BCE) was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty to rule Magadha — Mahapadma Nanda was of Shudra origin. They built the largest empire in India at that time. Their huge treasury and army intimidated Alexander’s soldiers, who refused to cross the Beas river. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the last Nanda king Dhana Nanda.

✅ Answer: B) DigambaraThe Gomateshwara (Bahubali) statue at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) is a Digambara Jain monument. It is a 57-foot monolithic statue carved in the 10th century CE. The statue depicts Bahubali (son of Rishabhadeva) in a standing meditation posture with vines growing around him. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held every 12 years.

✅ Answer: C) Universal salvation and Bodhisattva idealMahayana (Greater Vehicle) emphasises universal salvation — the goal is to become a Bodhisattva (one who delays personal nirvana to help all beings attain liberation). Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle/Theravada) focuses on individual salvation. Mahayana uses Sanskrit; Hinayana uses Pali. Mahayana introduced idol worship of Buddha.