Q. “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 of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

Answer: (b) Jainism

The central tenet of Jainism is non-violence. No other religion lays as much emphasis on non-violence as Jainism.
As Jainism placed great emphasis on non-violence, strict observers of the faith wear a muslin cloth around their mouth and nose so that they would not inhale small insects even by mistake. To avoid trampling on ants and other insects, Jain monks used feathers to sweep the path before walking.
Jains could not practise agriculture or other crafts that involve killing or injury to living organisms. Hence, they took to trading and money-lending and excelled in it. As a result, they were closely associated with urbanisation.