Consider the following statements relating to Jain literature : 1. The sacred books of the Jainas are known as Siddhanta or Agama.

Question

Consider the following statements relating to Jain literature :

1. The sacred books of the Jainas are known as Siddhanta or Agama.

1. The language of the earliest Jain texts is eastern dialect of Pali known as Ardha Magadhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

(a) Agam Literature-This consists of original scriptures complied by Gandharas and Srut-kevalis. They are written in the Prakrit language.

Non-agam Literature-This consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature and independent works, complied by elder monks, nuns, and scholars. They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Old Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, **, and English.