"Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects." The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs ofwhich one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

1. A

   Buddhism

   Buddhism. Denies an eternal soul (anatta); not soul in rocks.

2. B

   Jainism

   Jainism. Jiva in plants, earth, water, air, fire — the quoted animism.

3. C

   Shaivism

   Shaivism. Theistic Shaiva schools, not this pan-jiva line.

4. D

   Vaishnavism

   Vaishnavism. Vishnu-centred bhakti, not jiva in stones as doctrine.

Summary. Official key is (b) Jainism. Jain metaphysics puts jiva in animals, plants and also in earth, water, fire and air bodies. The quotation is that doctrine, not Buddhist anatta or Puranic theism.