Introduction
1. Jainism came into prominence in 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion.
2. The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.
3. There were 24 Tirthankaras (teachers) & the first Tirthankara was Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev.
4. The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi.
5. The last – 24th Tirthkara was Vardhaman Mahavira.
6. The doctrine of Jaina is older than the Buddhist doctrine.
7. Important patrons: Chandragupta Maurya, Kharaveli of Kalinga and the royal dynasties of south India such as the Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas.
Jain Philosophy
- Rejected the authority of Vedas and Vedic rituals.
- Believed in Karma and transmigration of soul: Cycle of birth and death is due to Karma.
- Advocated an austere and simple life and said Monastic life is essential for salvation.
- Did not believe in the existence of God.
- Opposed caste system.
- Extreme Non-Violence
- Anekantavada: Emphasises that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects i.e. “theory of plurality”. In simple words, it means the simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, even contradictory viewpoints.
- Syadvada: Syadavada literally means the method of examining different probabilities. Saptabhangi Nayavada means seven modes of prediction.
Five Doctrines of Jainism
Three Jewels of Jainism (Triratna)
Jaina Councils
| First Council | Year: 300 B.C. Place: Pataliputra Called by: Stalabahu Outcome: The sacred teachings of Mahavira were compiled into 12 Angas to replace the previous 14 Purvas. |
| Second Council | Year: 512 A.D. Place: Vallabhi (Gujarat) Presided over by: Devardhi Kshemasarmana Purpose: To collect the sacred texts and write them systematically. Outcome: 1. The 12th Anga drawn at the first council was lost. 2. All the remaining Angas were written in Ardhamagadhi. |
Jaina Literature
According to Shvetambaras, the original doctrine taught by Mahavira contained in 14 old ‘Purvas’ which was passed orally for 200 years. Most of the texts were written in Prakrit.
| 14 Purvas | The text books of old Jain Scriptures |
| 12 Angas | Jaina doctrine/rules of conduct of Mahavir |
| 12 Upangas | Associated with each Angas myth and dogmas |
| 10 Prakirnas | Doctrinal matters in verse form |
| 6 Chedasutras | Rules of monks/nuns |
| 4 Mulasutras | Valuable rules in the form of Maxims, dialogues and parables. |
| Niryuktis | Commentaries on Angas prepared on 100 A.D. |
| Kalpa Sutras | History of Jainism from its birth, written by Bhadrabahu |
| Achrang Sutras | Oldest Jaina text containing monastic rules. |
Important Jaina Architecture
| Rock cut caves: Chaitya and Viharas | Mauryan and Post Mauryan Period |
| Ajanta and Ellora Caves | Gupta Period |
| Rock cut caves at Badami | Chalukya Period |
| Rock cut caves of Aihole | Chalukya Period |
| Hathigumpha Cave | Kharavela |
| Udaiagiri Caves | Odisha |
| Statue of Bahubali: Gommateshwara | Shravanabelagola, Karnataka |
| Dilwara Temple | Mount Abu, Rajasthan |
| Palitana Temple | Gujarat |
Jain Terminology
Sects of Jainism
When Bhadrabahu (Guru of Chandragupta Maurya) left for South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers.
| Digambars | Sky-clad or Naked. Bhadrabahu was their leader. Arose out of the group, which had shifted to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka at the time of Famine. Major Sub-Sects: Mula Sangh, Bisapantha, Terapanth, Taranpantha or Samaiyapantha. Minor Sub-Sets: Gumanapantha, Totapantha. |
| Svetambaras | Wore White garments Sthulabhadra was their leader. Major Sub-Sects: Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi |
| Sammiyas | Arose out of DigambarasRenounced Idol-worship |
| Terapanthis | Arose out of Svetambaras |