Consider the following statements regarding the evolution and principles of Jainism: 1. Rishabhanatha is traditionally revered as the first Tirthankara, while Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara. 2. The Jain doctrine of syadvada asserts that all knowledge is conditional and can be expressed in seven different modal forms. 3. Mahavira added the vow of celibacy (brahmacharya) to the four earlier vows prescribed by Parshvanatha. Which of the statements given above are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

All three statements are correct as they accurately summarize the historical lineage and foundational philosophy of Jainism. Rishabhanatha is mentioned in early texts as the pioneer Tirthankara, and Mahavira consolidated the community as the twenty-fourth master. Parshvanatha had established four vows of non-injury, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession, to which Mahavira explicitly added absolute celibacy. Syadvada and anekantavada form the core epistemological framework of Jain logic.