Acharya Bhikshu founded which reformist sect of Jainism in Rajasthan?

Explanation

Acharya Bhikshu (1726-1803) founded the Terapanthi sect at Kelwa in present-day Rajsamand in 1760 CE. Terapanthi was not one of Jainism's older broad divisions; it emerged from a split in the Sthanakvasi tradition. Encyclopaedia Britannica identifies Acharya Bhikshu as its founder and notes that the sect accepted the leadership of a single acharya to prevent laxity. His reform emphasized strict observance of ahimsa and self-discipline. The name "Tera Panth" literally means "your path", with "your" understood to refer to God; hence, "God's path". Thus, among the options, Terapanthi alone is the reformist sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu.

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 much older major branch of Jainism, not a reformist sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu in Rajasthan.
• (D) Shvetambar is also a major branch of Jainism, whereas the reformist sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu was Terapanthi.

Concept

This question links Rajasthan's Jain reform tradition with sect formation and a local centre such as Kelwa. In RAS, culture questions often focus on founders, sects and reform movements rather than broad theology alone.

Source

• Encyclopaedia Britannica

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