Which of the following statements about Bhadrabahu is/are correct ? 1. He was a Jain Saint. 2. He was spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maury a. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. Origins and Philosophy of Jainism (basic)

To understand the political landscape of the Mauryan Empire, we must first dive into the spiritual revolution of the 6th century BCE. Jainism emerged as a powerful Sramanic (non-Vedic) tradition that challenged the existing social and religious order. While Vardhamana Mahavira is the most famous figure, he was actually the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual guide), building upon a much older tradition History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3, p.39.

The core philosophy of Jainism is Dualism. It teaches that the universe is not created by a God—in fact, Jainism denies the existence of a creator God—but is instead composed of two eternal substances that are constantly interacting:

Concept	Definition	Nature
Jiva	The Soul	Conscious, living, and potentially infinite.
Ajiva	Matter/Non-soul	Inanimate matter, space, and time.

Jainism teaches that the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped by Karma. Unlike many other traditions that see karma as a purely abstract concept, Jains view it as a physical substance that sticks to the soul due to our actions and emotions. To achieve liberation (Moksha), one must stop new karma from entering and "burn off" existing karma through asceticism and penance THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.), Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings, p.88.

The most defining feature of Jain practice is its radical commitment to Ahimsa (non-violence). This principle was so strict that monks would sweep the path before them with feathers to avoid stepping on insects. Because agriculture involved tilling the soil and potentially killing living organisms, many Jains moved into trading and commerce, where they became a highly influential and wealthy community in urban centers like Magadha History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3, p.40.

Sources: History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.39-40; THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.), Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings, p.88

2. The Jain Sangha and Literature (basic)

To understand the spiritual and intellectual landscape during the Mauryan period, we must look at the Jain Sangha—the community of monks and lay followers. The word 'Jain' is derived from Jina, meaning 'conqueror.' However, this isn't about military conquest; it refers to someone who has conquered their own ignorance, passions, and attachments to achieve enlightenment Exploring Society: India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025), India's Cultural Roots, p.115. At the heart of this path are the Triratnas (Three Gems), which served as a moral compass for both commoners and kings.

The Three Gems (Triratnas)	Sanskrit Term	Core Meaning
Right Faith	Samyag-darshana	Belief in the teachings and wisdom of the Jinas.
Right Knowledge	Samyag-jnana	Accurate understanding of the nature of the universe and the self.
Right Conduct	Samyag-mahavrata	Living according to strict ethical rules like non-violence (Ahimsa).

History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.40

One of the most pivotal moments in Jain history occurred during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. Tradition tells us that a severe 12-year famine struck Magadha, prompting the great Jain saint Bhadrabahu to lead a group of monks south to Shravanabelagola in modern-day Karnataka. Historically, it is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, influenced by Bhadrabahu's teachings, abdicated his throne to become an ascetic. He followed his teacher to the south and eventually performed Sallekhana—the ritual fasting unto death—at Chandragiri hill. This event significantly influenced the spread of Jainism in South India and established a deep link between the Mauryan dynasty and Jain traditions.

As the Sangha grew, so did its intellectual output. Initially, Jain canonical literature was composed in Prakrit dialects, the language of the common people, to ensure accessibility regardless of caste History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Cultural Syncretism: Bhakti Movement in India, p.196. Later, scholars like Siddasena Divakara laid the foundations of logic, and Sanskrit became a preferred medium. Interestingly, Jain scholars recast famous Hindu epics into Jain versions—such as Vimala's version of the Ramayana—to popularize their doctrines History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), The Guptas, p.99. This literary tradition flourished further under later patrons like the Rashtrakutas, where scholars like Jinasena (author of Adipurana) and Gunabhadra (author of Mahapurana) became spiritual guides to royalty History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms, p.114.

Sources: Exploring Society: India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025), India's Cultural Roots, p.115; History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.40; History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Cultural Syncretism: Bhakti Movement in India, p.196; History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), The Guptas, p.99; History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms, p.114

3. Foundation of the Mauryan Empire (basic)

The Mauryan Empire, India's first great pan-Indian empire, was established around 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya. The foundation of this empire was not just a military conquest but a strategic masterstroke born from the partnership between Chandragupta and his mentor, Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta). Chanakya, a Brahmin and a sworn enemy of the Nanda dynasty, provided the 'brains'—the political maneuvering and strategy—while Chandragupta provided the 'brawn' and leadership to overthrow the unpopular Nandas and establish Pataliputra as his capital History, Class XI (Tamilnadu State Board 2024 ed.), Emergence of State and Empire, p.51.

The empire's foundation was solidified by clearing the path in the Northwest. After Alexander the Great retreated from India, he left behind Greek governors (satraps). Chandragupta defeated these remnants, integrating vast territories from the northern plains to the Deccan plateau into a single political unit Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science-Class VII, NCERT (Revised ed 2025), The Rise of Empires, p.101. To secure his borders, he maintained diplomatic ties with the Greeks, hosting the historian Megasthenes, whose work Indika provides us with the first written foreign account of Indian administration and the magnificent capital city. Pataliputra itself was a marvel of defense, situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers, protected by massive wooden walls with 570 watchtowers and 64 gates History, Class XI (Tamilnadu State Board 2024 ed.), Emergence of State and Empire, p.60.

Interestingly, the foundation of the empire ends with a spiritual transition. According to Jain tradition, toward the end of his reign, a severe 12-year famine struck Magadha. Chandragupta, influenced by the Jain saint Bhadrabahu, decided to abdicate his throne. He followed Bhadrabahu to Shravanabelagola (in modern Karnataka), where the former emperor lived as an ascetic and eventually performed Sallekhana (ritual fasting to death). This journey not only marked the end of his reign but also helped spread Jainism to South India.

Sources: History, Class XI (Tamilnadu State Board 2024 ed.), Emergence of State and Empire, p.51, 60; Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science-Class VII, NCERT (Revised ed 2025), The Rise of Empires, p.101

4. The Shramana Tradition and Royal Patronage (intermediate)

To understand the Mauryan polity, we must look beyond administration and into the spiritual landscape of the time. The 6th century BCE was a period of intense intellectual ferment. As the Vedic religion became increasingly ritualistic and rigid, the Shramana traditions (heterodox sects like Jainism, Buddhism, and Ajivikas) emerged as a powerful alternative. These traditions emphasized renunciation, individual effort, and a rejection of animal sacrifices, finding great favor among the rising merchant classes and the Kshatriya elite who felt constrained by the existing Brahminical hierarchy History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.37. This shift wasn't just religious; it was a socio-political protest against dogmas that shaped the very foundation of the Mauryan state.

One of the most pivotal moments in this era was the relationship between Bhadrabahu and the founder of the empire, Chandragupta Maurya. Bhadrabahu was a renowned Jain saint and the last Sruta Kevali (one with complete knowledge of the scriptures) in the Digambara tradition. According to Jain tradition, when a severe 12-year famine struck the Magadha region, Bhadrabahu predicted its longevity and led a migration of Jain monks to South India, specifically to Shravanabelagola in modern-day Karnataka. It is widely held in Jain literary and archaeological tradition that Chandragupta Maurya, deeply influenced by Bhadrabahu, abdicated his throne, became his disciple, and followed him to the South.

The duo spent their final days as ascetics at Chandragiri hill. This period is historically significant as it marks the formal entry of Jainism into South India. The Mauryan king ultimately performed Sallekhana (also known as Santhara), a ritualistic fasting until death, symbolizing the ultimate detachment from the material world. While some historians debate the contemporary evidence, this narrative highlights the profound influence of Shramana ideals on Mauryan kings even before the famous conversion of Ashoka to Buddhism. The rivalry between these sects was also intense, with Buddhist and Jain texts often ridiculing each other as they competed for royal patronage and social influence History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.38.

Feature	Vedic Tradition	Shramana Tradition
Core Philosophy	Ritualism, Sacrifice (Yajna)	Asceticism, Renunciation, Ahimsa
Authority	Vedas as divinely revealed	Personal experience and logic
Social View	Rigid Varna hierarchy	Equality and focus on individual merit

Sources: History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.37; History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.38; History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.39

5. The Great Schism: Digambaras and Svetambaras (intermediate)

The Great Schism in Jainism was not a sudden theological dispute but a gradual divergence triggered by a severe ecological crisis. Approximately 500 years after the death of Mahavira, a devastating 12-year famine struck the region of Magadha History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.39. This famine forced the Jain community to split into two groups based on their response to the hardship: one group chose migration to preserve their strict ascetic code, while the other stayed behind to weather the crisis in the north.

The migration was led by the saint Bhadrabahu, who moved south toward Shravanabelagola in modern-day Karnataka. His followers maintained the original, rigorous vow of total renunciation, including the abandonment of clothes, and became known as the Digambaras (meaning "space-clad" or naked). Meanwhile, those who remained in Magadha under the leadership of Sthulabhadra adapted to the circumstances by wearing simple white garments. This group became known as the Svetambaras (meaning "white-clad"). When the famine ended and the southern monks returned, they found that the northern monks had modified their practices and compiled a canon of scriptures that the southern group refused to accept History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3, p.39.

For a student of Mauryan polity, this schism is particularly significant because of the conversion of Chandragupta Maurya. Tradition holds that the emperor, moved by the famine and Bhadrabahu’s teachings, abdicated his throne to become a monk. He followed Bhadrabahu to the south and eventually performed Sallekhana (a ritual fast to death) at Chandragiri hill. This event highlights how Jainism influenced the very top of the Mauryan political structure, leading to a shift from imperial expansion to spiritual renunciation.

Feature	Digambaras	Svetambaras
Leader	Bhadrabahu	Sthulabhadra
Attire	Naked (Space-clad)	White robes (White-clad)
Key Event	Migrated South to Karnataka	Stayed in Magadha (North)
Scriptures	Rejected the Council of Pataliputra	Compiled the Jaina canon (Angas)

Sources: History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.38-39

6. Bhadrabahu: The Last Sruta Kevali (exam-level)

Bhadrabahu is one of the most significant figures in ancient Indian religious history, particularly within the Digambara Jain tradition. He is venerated as the last 'Sruta Kevali'—a title bestowed upon a saint who possesses complete oral knowledge of the Jain scriptures (the twelve Angas) after the passing of the immediate disciples of Mahavira. His life marks a major turning point where spiritual authority began to transition from oral mastery to written preservation. Bhadrabahu’s historical importance is intrinsically linked to the Mauryan Empire through his role as the spiritual preceptor to its founder, Chandragupta Maurya History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3, p. 39.

According to Jain tradition, Bhadrabahu foresaw a catastrophic 12-year famine that would strike the Magadha region (the heart of the Mauryan Empire). To ensure the survival of the ascetic order and the purity of their practices, he led a large migration of Jain monks southward to Shravanabelagola in modern-day Karnataka. This event is not merely a religious anecdote; it represents one of the earliest recorded instances of large-scale internal migration in India due to environmental distress, moving from the densely populated Ganga plains to the Deccan plateau Geography of India, Majid Husain (9th ed.), Cultural Setting, p. 105. This migration eventually contributed to the schism in Jainism: those who stayed in the north under Sthulabhadra adapted their rules (becoming the Svetambaras), while those who followed Bhadrabahu maintained the strict original tenets (becoming the Digambaras).

The relationship between the Emperor and the Saint is a classic study in the Indian ideal of renunciation. It is said that Chandragupta Maurya, deeply moved by the famine and Bhadrabahu's teachings, abdicated his throne in favor of his son Bindusara to become a Jain monk. He accompanied Bhadrabahu to Chandragiri hill at Shravanabelagola. There, the former emperor lived as an ascetic and eventually performed Sallekhana (also known as Santhara)—the ritual vow of fasting to death to attain spiritual liberation History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 3, p. 39. While some modern historians debate the contemporary evidence for this, the presence of the "Chandragupta Basadi" (temple) and various inscriptions from later centuries at the site cement this narrative as a cornerstone of Indian cultural and political history.

Sources: History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.39; Geography of India, Majid Husain (9th ed.), Cultural Setting, p.105

7. Chandragupta Maurya's Renunciation (exam-level)

The reign of Chandragupta Maurya, the architect of India’s first great empire, concluded not with a battle, but with a profound spiritual transformation. According to Jain tradition, toward the end of his life, a catastrophic 12-year famine struck the Magadha region. Distressed by the suffering of his people and influenced by the teachings of the prominent Jain monk Bhadrabahu, Chandragupta decided to abdicate his throne in favor of his son, Bindusara History, Class XI (Tamil Nadu State Board), Chapter 3, p. 39. This act of renunciation marks a rare historical instance where a powerful emperor voluntarily relinquished absolute power to seek spiritual liberation. After his abdication, Chandragupta became a disciple of Bhadrabahu, who is revered as the last Sruta Kevali (one with complete knowledge of the scriptures) in the Digambara tradition. The emperor joined a mass migration of Jain monks led by Bhadrabahu, moving from the North to Shravanabelagola in modern-day Karnataka. This event is historically significant as it explains the early spread of Jainism into South India. While contemporary Greek accounts like those of Megasthenes focus on his administration, later Jain literary and archaeological sources provide the primary evidence for this spiritual retirement Themes in Indian History Part I, History Class XII (NCERT), Kings, Farmers and Towns, p. 32. The final chapter of Chandragupta’s life unfolded at Chandragiri hill. Here, he practiced Sallekhana (also known as Santhara), a ritual vow of fasting to death. In Jainism, this is not seen as suicide but as a triumph over the body and a way to purge karma to achieve salvation History, Class XI (Tamil Nadu State Board), Chapter 3, p. 40. To this day, the site remains one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers for Jains, immortalizing the emperor who swapped his crown for the life of a wandering ascetic.

Sources: History, Class XI (Tamil Nadu State Board 2024 ed.), Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects, p.39-40; Themes in Indian History Part I, History Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.), Kings, Farmers and Towns, p.32

8. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

This question masterfully connects the Great Famine of Magadha with the expansion of Jainism into South India. You have already learned about the schism that divided Jainism into the Digambara and Shvetambara sects; Bhadrabahu is the central figure of that transition. By leading a group of monks to Shravanabelagola to escape the 12-year famine, he established the Digambara tradition in the south. This historical role confirms Statement 1: he was indeed a Jain Saint and the last Sruta Kevali (possessor of full scriptural knowledge).

To arrive at the correct answer, (C) Both 1 and 2, you must bridge the gap between religious history and the Mauryan Empire. According to Jain tradition and inscriptions, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne to follow Bhadrabahu as an ascetic. As a student of history, you should recognize the significance of their journey to Chandragiri hill, where they both practiced Sallekhana (ritual fasting to death). This spiritual mentorship is a well-documented narrative in sources like the History, class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), making Statement 2 historically accurate within the context of the exam.

UPSC frequently uses "half-knowledge traps," such as options (A) 1 only or (B) 2 only, to tempt candidates who may remember Bhadrabahu as a monk but forget his royal disciple, or vice versa. A common mistake is to doubt Statement 2 because some modern secular historians debate the early evidence for this relationship; however, in the UPSC framework, standard textbook traditions are your safest guide. By synthesizing the migration of monks with the renunciation of a King, you can confidently conclude that both statements are correct.