Q. Among the following who is given the credit of carrying Jainism in south India
✅ Correct Answer: (C)
Bhadrabahu
Explanation:
Bhadrabahu is traditionally credited with carrying Jainism to South India, especially to Karnataka, during the time of a severe famine in North India around 3rd century BCE.
- He was the last acharya of the undivided Jain sangha, and according to Jain tradition, he led a migration of Jain monks to the South along with Chandragupta Maurya, who later became a Jain monk himself.
- This migration played a key role in the spread of Jainism in southern India, particularly in the Shravanabelagola region.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- (A) Sudharmana: One of the earliest disciples of Mahavira, not associated with South India.
- (B) Indrabhuti: A Brahmin who became a disciple of Mahavira, but not linked to spreading Jainism in the south.
- (D) Sthulabhadra: A prominent Jain monk, often said to have stayed in the north when Bhadrabahu migrated south.
So, the correct answer is Bhadrabahu.
Explanation by: Mr. Dubey
Bhadrabahu is traditionally credited with carrying Jainism to South India, especially to Karnataka, during the time of a severe famine in North India around 3rd century BCE.
- He was the last acharya of the undivided Jain sangha, and according to Jain tradition, he led a migration of Jain monks to the South along with Chandragupta Maurya, who later became a Jain monk himself.
- This migration played a key role in the spread of Jainism in southern India, particularly in the Shravanabelagola region.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- (A) Sudharmana: One of the earliest disciples of Mahavira, not associated with South India.
- (B) Indrabhuti: A Brahmin who became a disciple of Mahavira, but not linked to spreading Jainism in the south.
- (D) Sthulabhadra: A prominent Jain monk, often said to have stayed in the north when Bhadrabahu migrated south.
So, the correct answer is Bhadrabahu.