Assertion (A): The emphasis of Jainism on non-violence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism. Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests.
✓ Correct answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
ExplanationAssertion (A) is correct: Jainism emphasized ahimsa (non-violence) as its core principle.It not only prohibited violence against humans and animals but also extended non- violence to plants, insects, and microorganisms.Reason (R) is correct: Agriculturalists could not easily adopt Jainism because farming inherently involves plowing land, which kills many insects and small organisms.Jainism was largely adopted by traders, merchants, and urban elites rather than peasants and farmers.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Reason (R) explains that agricultural practices, which harm insects and pests, conflict with Jainism’s principle of non-violence (Ahimsa).This makes it difficult for agriculturalists to fully embrace Jainism.89
Practice more History PYQs
Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full History & Art-Culture previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.
🏛️ History PYQs →