The term 'Tirthankara' is associated with which religion?

Correct Answer: Jainism

Subject: history

Buddhism
Hinduism
Jainism
Sikhism

Explanation: • Tirthankara — exclusively a Jain concept; 24 per cosmic cycle • 1st: Rishabhanatha; 23rd: Parsvanatha; 24th: Mahavira (last of current cycle) • Digambara tradition: Tirthankaras depicted naked • Shvetambara tradition: Tirthankaras depicted with white clothes • Famous Jain monument: 57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali (son of Rishabhanatha) at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka (981 AD) — world's largest free-standing statue from ancient India • Key distinction: Tirthankaras do NOT intervene after liberation — only role models