Consider the following statements regarding the Vardhamana Mahavira: 1. He rejected the authority of the Vedas and objected to the Vedic rituals. 2. According to him, even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it causes injury to the earth, worms and animals. 3. He regarded all objects, both animate and inanimate, have souls and various degrees of consciousness. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A.  1 and 3 only       
• B.  2 and 3 only
• C.  1 only    
• D.  1, 2 and 3