Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — Therigatha
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedOption (a) is correct: Therigatha ('Verses of the Elder Nuns') is a Buddhist canonical text within the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka. It preserves poems and spiritual reflections composed by early Buddhist female monastic disciples (theris).
Options (b), (c), and (d) are canonical and post-canonical Jain scriptures:
- Acarangasutra (Acharanga Sutra) is the first of the twelve Jain Angas dealing with monastic conduct and non-violence.
- Sutrakritanga is the second Anga, discussing Jain doctrine and refuting rival philosophies.
- Brihatkalpasutra is a Jain text governing monastic jurisprudence and ascetic lifestyle.
The 'Theri-' prefix in Pali directly corresponds to elder Buddhist nuns (Theris), while texts ending with '-anga' or '-sutra' in Ardhamagadhi contexts predominantly belong to Jain canonical literature.
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