Jain Literature

Jain literature is an important topic for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other history-based examinations. It provides insights into Jain philosophy, history, and religious teachings.

---

1. Jain Literature Classification

Jain literature is broadly classified into two traditions:

A. Śvetāmbara Literature

• Written in Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi, Shauraseni) and Sanskrit.
• Consists of the “Āgamas” (canonical texts).

B. Digambara Literature

• Early texts were lost, later texts written in Sanskrit and Kannada.
• Rejects Śvetāmbara canonical texts.

---

2. Śvetāmbara Jain Literature

A. The Twelve Angas (Canonical Texts)

1. Ācāranga Sūtra – Rules for monks.
2. Sūtrakṛtānga – Jain doctrines.
3. Sthānānga – Classification of knowledge.
4. Samavāyānga – Numerical listing of topics.
5. Vyākhyāprajñapti (Bhagavati Sūtra) – Questions and answers.
6. Jñātādharmakathānga – Religious narratives.
7. Upāsakadaśā – Duties of lay followers.
8. Antagaḍadasāo – Biographies of monks.
9. Anuttarovavaiyadasāo – Stories of enlightened monks.
10. Paṇhāvāgaraṇa (Prashna Vyākaraṇa) – Logical analysis.
11. Vīrastava (Vṛhat Kalpa Sūtra) – Conduct of monks.
12. Dṛṣṭivāda – Philosophical teachings (lost).

B. The Twelve Upāngas (Subsidiary Texts)

• Includes Rājapraśnīya, Jīvābhigama, Prajñāpanā and others.

C. Chedasūtras (Monastic Discipline)

• Examples: Bṛhat Kalpa Sūtra, Vyavahāra Sūtra.

D. Mūlasūtras (Basic Texts for Beginners)

• Examples: Daśavaikālika Sūtra, Uttarādhyayana Sūtra.

---

3. Digambara Jain Literature

Since Digambaras do not accept Śvetāmbara texts, they developed their own literature:

A. Kārttikeyānuprekṣā (by Kārttikeya Swami)

• Philosophical reflections on Jain teachings.

B. Shatkhaṇḍāgama (by Acharya Pushpadanta and Bhutabali)

• The oldest Digambara Jain text, composed in Prakrit.

C. Kashayapahuda (by Acharya Gunadhara)

• Deals with passions (Kashayas) and karma theory.

D. Tattvārtha Sūtra (by Acharya Umasvati)

• Only text accepted by both Digambaras and Śvetāmbaras.
• Written in Sanskrit, discusses Jain philosophy.

E. Other Digambara Texts

• Gommatsara (by Acharya Nemichandra) – Describes karma and soul.
• Samayasāra (by Acharya Kundakunda) – Metaphysics of Jainism.

---

4. Non-Canonical Jain Literature

Apart from religious scriptures, Jain scholars wrote historical and literary works:

A. Prakrit and Apabhramsha Works

• Paumachariya (by Vimalasuri) – Jain version of Ramayana.
• Harivamsha Purana (by Jinasena) – Jain adaptation of Krishna’s life.

B. Sanskrit Works

• Mahapurana (by Jinasena and Gunabhadra) – Jain history of the world.
• Ādi Purāṇa (by Jinasena) – Life of Rishabhanatha (1st Tirthankara).
• Tattvārtha Sūtra (by Umasvati) – Jain philosophy.

C. Kannada Works

• Jain monks in South India contributed to Kannada literature.
• Adipurana (by Pampa) – Story of Rishabhanatha.
• Gommateshwara Charita (by Asaga) – Biography of Bahubali.

---

5. Importance of Jain Literature for Competitive Exams

• Provides historical sources about ancient India.
• Highlights Jain contribution to languages (Prakrit, Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil).
• Jain philosophy influenced ethics, karma theory, and non-violence.
• Helps in understanding regional variations in Jainism.

---

6. Sample Questions for Exams

Prelims-Based Questions (MCQs)

1. Which is the only text accepted by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions?
   • (a) Shatkhaṇḍāgama
   • (b) Paumachariya
   • (c) Tattvārtha Sūtra
   • (d) Kashayapahuda
   • Answer: (c) Tattvārtha Sūtra
2. Which Jain text is considered the oldest Digambara scripture?
   • (a) Daśavaikālika Sūtra
   • (b) Shatkhaṇḍāgama
   • (c) Uttarādhyayana Sūtra
   • (d) Bhagavati Sūtra
   • Answer: (b) Shatkhaṇḍāgama
3. Who wrote the Jain Ramayana (Paumachariya)?
   • (a) Acharya Umasvati
   • (b) Acharya Kundakunda
   • (c) Vimalasuri
   • (d) Haribhadra Suri
   • Answer: (c) Vimalasuri
4. The ‘Āgamas’ are sacred texts of which Jain sect?
   • (a) Digambara
   • (b) Śvetāmbara
   • (c) Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara
   • (d) None of the above
   • Answer: (b) Śvetāmbara
5. Which Jain scholar wrote the Tattvārtha Sūtra?
   • (a) Jinasena
   • (b) Umasvati
   • (c) Kundakunda
   • (d) Nemichandra
   • Answer: (b) Umasvati

---

Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive)

1. Discuss the major texts of Śvetāmbara and Digambara Jain literature.
   • Approach: Classify the texts, describe their content, and highlight their significance.
2. Explain the importance of Jain literature in reconstructing ancient Indian history.
   • Approach: Mention Jain texts with historical details, compare with other sources.
3. What role did Jain scholars play in the development of regional languages?
   • Approach: Discuss Jain contributions to Prakrit, Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, and Apabhramsha literature.

---

This structured guide will help you cover Jain Literature comprehensively for competitive exams. Let me know if you need maps, timelines, or simplified notes!