Aspirant Academy
ENHI

RAS question

Acharya Bhikshu founded which reformist sect of Jainism in Rajasthan?

Correct answer: (C) Terapanthi.

Acharya Bhikshu founded the Terapanthi sect of Jainism after breaking from the Sthanakvasi tradition.

  1. (A)

    Sthanakvasi

  2. (B)

    Digambar

  3. (C)

    Terapanthi

  4. (D)

    Shvetambar

Explanation

Acharya Bhikshu (1726-1803) founded the Terapanthi sect at Kelwa in present-day Rajsamand in 1760 CE. The key point for this RAS question is that Terapanthi was not one of the older umbrella Jain divisions; it emerged from a schism within the Sthanakvasi stream. Encyclopaedia Britannica identifies Terapanthi as the sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu and notes its claim to avoid laxity by placing authority in a single teacher. Bhikshu’s reform stressed strict ahimsa and self-discipline, and the name "Tera Panth" is explained as "your path", understood as God’s path. Therefore, among the options, only Terapanthi names the reformist sect founded by him.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) Sthanakvasi is the tradition from which Acharya Bhikshu broke away, so it cannot be the reformist sect he founded.
  • (B) Digambar is a major Jain sect with a much older identity, not a Rajasthan reformist sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu.
  • (D) Shvetambar is a major Jain sect, whereas Acharya Bhikshu’s specific reformist foundation was Terapanthi.

Concept

This tests Rajasthan’s religious reform traditions within Jainism, especially sect formation and local centres such as Kelwa. It recurs in RAS because culture questions often ask founders, sects and reform movements rather than broad theology alone.

Source

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