Question

Match List I (Scriptural Recitations/Councils) with List II (Presiding Monks):

List I		List II
A.	First Pataliputra Council	I.	Nagarjuna
B.	Second Mathura Council	II.	Sthulabhadra
C.	Third Vallabhi Council	III.	Aryaskandila
D.	Other Recitations	IV.	Devardhigani Kshama Shramana

 

• A. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
• B. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
• C. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
• D. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Hint:

The first council (Pataliputra) is always Sthulabhadra. The final, definitive council for writing (Vallabhi) is Devardhigani. These two are the most frequent historical landmarks asked in exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
After the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the Jain scriptures were initially preserved through an oral tradition. Over centuries, to prevent the loss of this knowledge due to famines or the passing away of learned monks, various "Councils" (Vachanas) were organized to compile and record the canon. Each council was presided over by a prominent scholarly monk.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. First Pataliputra Council (A): This council took place approximately 160 years after Mahavira's Nirvana (around 300 BC) during a severe famine. It was presided over by Sthulabhadra (II). The primary goal was to compile the 11 Angas. This council is a major turning point in Shvetambara history.

2. Second Mathura Council (B): Centuries later, another council was held in Mathura. This was presided over by Aryaskandila (III). Simultaneously, another council happened at Vallabhi presided over by Nagarjuna. This period is known for different "versions" of the recitations emerging in different geographical regions.

3. Third Vallabhi Council (C): This is the most famous council for the final redaction of the Shvetambara canon. It took place around 980-993 years after Nirvana (5th-6th Century AD). It was presided over by Devardhigani Kshama Shramana (IV). In this council, the scriptures were finally committed to writing to ensure their permanent preservation.

4. Other Recitations (D): During the time of the Mathura Council, a parallel council or recitation was conducted at Vallabhi by another group of monks. This tradition or council is associated with the monk Nagarjuna (I) (not to be confused with the Buddhist philosopher).

The correct matching is A-II, B-III, C-IV, and D-I.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Pataliputra was led by Sthulabhadra, Mathura by Aryaskandila, Vallabhi by Devardhigani, and the other recitation by Nagarjuna.