Question

Arrange the following Jain Acharyas in chronological order:
A. Acharya Vattakera
B. Nemicandra Siddhanta Cakravarti
C. Devardhigani Kshama Shramana
D. Acharya Siddhasena
E. Acharya Kundakunda

• A. B, C, D, A, E
• B. B, D, E, A, C
• C. C, A, E, B, D
• D. E, A, D, C, B.

Hint:

Kundakunda is almost always the earliest in any such list, and Nemicandra is among the latest great masters of the early medieval period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Jain history is marked by brilliant scholars who preserved the oral traditions in written form. Chronology is determined by their life periods and the councils they presided over.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Acharya Kundakunda (E): The most prominent Digambara philosopher, generally dated to the 1st or 2nd century AD.
2. Acharya Vattakera (A): Author of Mulachara, often considered a contemporary or near-contemporary of Kundakunda.
3. Acharya Siddhasena (D): Author of Sanmati Tarka, dated to around the 4th or 5th century AD.
4. Devardhigani (C): He presided over the Council of Vallabhi in the 5th century AD, where the Shvetambara canon was finally redacted.
5. Nemicandra (B): The author of Gommatasara and Dravyasangraha, who lived in the 10th century AD during the period of the Ganga dynasty.

The relative order is E, A, D, C, B.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The chronological flow goes from the early post-canonical period to the late medieval scholarly peak.