UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

With reference to Indian history

consider the following texts

1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
   
   

Which of the above are Jaina texts?

1. Nettipakarana

It is a Buddhist scripture, sometimes included in the Khuddaka Nikaya of Sutta Pitaka. So, point 1 is not correct. 

2. Parishishtaparvan

It is a 12th century Sanskrit mahakavya by Acharya Hemachandra. He was a contemporary of the Chaulukyan king Kumarapala. The text gives details of early Jaina teachers. So, point 2 is correct.

3. Avadanashataka

It is a collection of 100 Buddhist legends. (avadana: type of Buddhist literature telling deeds/events of the past and subsequent lives of Buddha e.g. Mahavastu, Avadanashataka and Divyavadana). So, point 3 is not correct.

4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

It is an important Jain text composed by Acharya Jinesena. He was in the court of Amoghavarsha, a famous Rashtrakuta king. Famous for quotation about the nature of God as non-creator in Jainism. So, point 4 is correct.