In Indian religious philosophy, the term "Kaivalya" meaning complete isolation and liberation of the soul is especially associated with which religion?

Introduction / Context:
Indian philosophical traditions often use technical terms for liberation or final release from the cycle of birth and death. The word "Kaivalya" literally means aloneness or isolation and refers to the soul attaining a state of pure, independent existence. Although similar ideas occur in several schools, examination questions usually test with which religion this term is most strongly and specifically associated.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The key term is "Kaivalya", understood as complete liberation of the soul. - The options given are Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and Sikhism. - We assume the standard usage of doctrinal vocabulary in Indian religions as presented in textbooks. - The question expects the religion that treats Kaivalya as a central technical term for liberation.

Concept / Approach:
In Jainism, the term "Kevala jnana" or perfect knowledge and "Kaivalya" are closely linked with the highest spiritual state of the soul. When a Jaina soul destroys all karmic coverings, it attains omniscience and then final release, called Kaivalya. The liberated soul exists in complete isolation, free from attachment and karma. While some schools of Hindu philosophy and classical Yoga also use the word Kaivalya, standard general knowledge questions usually connect the term most directly and characteristically with Jainism, where it is central to the doctrine of the Tirthankaras and liberated beings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jainism teaches that every soul is bound by karma and moves through many births. Step 2: Understand that when all karmic matter is removed, the soul attains Kevala jnana, or perfect knowledge. Step 3: This state of complete purity and omniscience is associated with Kaivalya, the soul's final isolation from bondage. Step 4: Compare with Buddhism, which more often uses terms such as Nirvana or Nibbana for liberation. Step 5: Recognise that although some Hindu and Yoga texts also mention Kaivalya, the examination pattern usually highlights Jainism as the religion that treats it as a core technical concept. Step 6: Conclude that Jainism is the most appropriate answer among the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductions to Jain philosophy emphasise that the ultimate goal is the attainment of Kevala, meaning pure and perfect knowledge, which coincides with liberation. The soul in this state is described as existing at the top of the universe in complete isolation, free from all karmic bonds. Descriptions of Tirthankaras such as Mahavira use this language repeatedly. In contrast, Buddhism focuses on the extinction of craving and the concept of anatta, and Sikhism stresses union with the divine through remembrance and grace, without using Kaivalya as a primary term. This comparison confirms the association with Jainism.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Buddhism: Uses Nirvana as the main term for liberation and does not foreground Kaivalya as its key doctrinal label.
Hinduism: Certain philosophical schools speak of Kaivalya, but the question aims at the religious tradition where the term is most distinctive, which is Jainism.
Sikhism: Centred on devotion to the one God and concepts like mukti and nam simran; Kaivalya is not a central technical term in Sikh teachings.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any Sanskrit philosophical term must belong primarily to Hinduism or general "Indian philosophy". Another pitfall is to confuse Buddhist and Jaina vocabulary because both discuss liberation and karma. Remembering the specific pairing of Jainism with concepts like Kevala jnana and Kaivalya helps avoid this confusion in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
The term "Kaivalya" as complete liberation and isolation of the soul is especially associated with Jainism.