Jainism is one of the oldest religions in India, emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and asceticism . It played a crucial role in India’s religious and philosophical history . Understanding Jainism is essential for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams .
1. Origin and Founder of Jainism
Rishabhanatha (First Tirthankara) : Considered the first teacher of Jainism.Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) :
Born in 540 BCE in Kundagrama (Bihar) .
Belonged to the Kshatriya clan of the Licchavis .
Attained Kevala Jnana (Supreme Knowledge) at age 42 .
Spread Jain principles and formed the Jain Sangha .
Died in 468 BCE at Pavapuri (Bihar) .
2. Core Teachings of Jainism Three Jewels (Triratna)
Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)
Five Vows (Mahavratas)
Ahimsa (Non-violence) – No harm to any living being.Satya (Truthfulness) – Always speak the truth.Asteya (Non-stealing) – Do not steal.Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity) – Control over desires.Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) – Renouncing material possessions.
Doctrine of Anekantavada
Multiple perspectives to truth (Reality has many sides).
3. Sects of Jainism After Mahavira’s death, Jainism split into two main sects:
Sects Description Digambara (Sky-clad) Monks wear no clothes, follow strict asceticism, believe women cannot attain moksha. Shvetambara (White-clad) Monks wear white robes, believe women can attain moksha, and accept slight modifications in practice.
4. Sacred Texts of Jainism Text Description Agamas Main scriptures of Jainism, written in Prakrit . Kalpa Sutra Biography of Mahavira and other Tirthankaras . Tattvartha Sutra Written by Umaswati , the only Jain text written in Sanskrit .
5. Jain Councils Council Year Location Patron Result 1st Jain Council 3rd Century BCE Pataliputra Chandragupta Maurya Compilation of Agamas . 2nd Jain Council 512 CE Vallabhi (Gujarat) King Dharasena Final compilation of Jain scriptures .
6. Spread of Jainism
Patronized by Chandragupta Maurya , who later became a Jain monk.
Spread to Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu through trade and migration.
Declined due to rise of Hinduism and Bhakti movements .
7. Jain Architecture Site Location Features Dilwara Temples Mount Abu (Rajasthan) White marble, intricate carvings. Gomateshwara Statue Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) 57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali. Ranakpur Temple Rajasthan Exquisite Jain architecture. Palitana Temples Gujarat Cluster of Jain temples on a hill.
8. Jainism vs. Buddhism Feature Jainism Buddhism Founder Mahavira Gautama Buddha God Concept Atheistic (no creator god) No creator god, but divine beings exist Ahimsa Strict non-violence Non-violence but allows self-defense Language of Texts Prakrit Pali and Sanskrit Monastic Rules Stricter (Digambara monks remain naked) More relaxed rules for monks
9. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams Prelims-Based Questions (MCQs)
Who is considered the founder of Jainism?
(a) Rishabhanatha
(b) Mahavira
(c) Gautama Buddha
(d) Parsvanatha
Answer: (b) Mahavira
Which of the following is NOT a vow of Jainism?
(a) Ahimsa
(b) Satya
(c) Dukkha
(d) Aparigraha
Answer: (c) Dukkha
Which language were the Jain Agamas written in?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Pali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Tamil
Answer: (c) Prakrit
The Kalpa Sutra is associated with which religion?
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) Zoroastrianism
Answer: (c) Jainism
Where was the Second Jain Council held?
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Vallabhi
(c) Sanchi
(d) Rajgir
Answer: (b) Vallabhi
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive)
Discuss the core principles of Jainism and their relevance today. Compare and contrast Jainism and Buddhism in terms of philosophy and religious practices. Analyze the role of Jain councils in the preservation of Jain scriptures. Explain the architectural contributions of Jainism in India.
10. Conclusion
Jainism is one of India’s oldest religions , focusing on non-violence, truth, and self-discipline .
It spread across India but declined due to the rise of Hinduism and Buddhism .
Jainism’s influence is still seen in Indian philosophy, trade ethics, and art .
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