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Question 13 of 75 · Buddhism & Jainism
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In Karnataka, Jain temples and monastic establishments are called:

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Answer: Option D — Basadis

Detailed Solution

In Karnataka, Jain temples (and associated monastic establishments) are called "basadis" (or "bastis").

About basadis:

  • The word "basadi" comes from the Sanskrit "vasati", meaning a dwelling or residence, as Jain monks stayed there.
  • Basadis are found in large numbers in Karnataka, which has been an important centre of Jainism for more than 2,000 years.
  • They often have a main shrine with an image of a Tirthankara, and a hall in front.
  • Some have a tall "manastambha", a decorated pillar, in front of the temple.

Famous basadis of Karnataka:

  • "Saavira Kambada Basadi" (Thousand Pillar Temple) at Moodabidri: built in the 15th century, famous for its 1,000 carved pillars.
  • "Chandragupta Basadi" and "Chamundaraya Basadi" on Chandragiri hill at Shravanabelagola.
  • Basadis at Karkala, Venur and Humcha.
  • The "Panchakuta Basadi" at Kambadahalli.

Jainism in Karnataka:

  • According to tradition, Jainism came to Karnataka with the migration of Jain monks to Shravanabelagola in the 3rd century BCE.
  • Many dynasties of Karnataka, such as the Gangas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Hoysalas, supported Jainism.
  • Chamundaraya, a minister of the Ganga kings, built the giant statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola in the 10th century.
  • The Mahamastakabhisheka (head-anointing ceremony) of Bahubali is held once every 12 years.
  • Many early Kannada poets, such as Pampa, Ponna and Ranna (the "three gems"), were Jains.

Similar terms:

  • "Jinalaya" or "Jain mandir": common names for Jain temples elsewhere.
  • "Derasar": Jain temples in Gujarat.
  • "Upashraya": a place where Jain monks stay during their travels.

Why not the other options?

  • ✗"Viharas" belong to a different religious tradition.
  • ✗"Chaityas" belong to Buddhist architecture.
  • ✗"Mathas" are Hindu monasteries.

Quick tip

Remember: Basadi = Jain temple in Karnataka (Saavira Kambada Basadi, Moodabidri); Derasar = Jain temple in Gujarat.

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Buddhism & Jainism — Preparation

This question tests your understanding of Buddhism & Jainism, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.

Buddhism and Jainism arose in the 6th century BCE as reform movements. This topic covers the lives and teachings of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, the Jain tirthankaras, the Buddhist councils, the sects of both religions, their sacred texts and the places linked to them. Common questions cover the four great events of the Buddha's life and their places (birth at Lumbini, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, first sermon at Sarnath, death at Kushinagar), the four Buddhist councils with their kings and venues, and the Jain sects Digambara and Shvetambara. Learning the councils as a table of place, king and president is the fastest way to revise. Practise the Buddhism and Jainism questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.

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