Jainism

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion founded by Rishabhanatha and reformed by Vardhamana Mahavira in the 6th century BCE.

It teaches Ahimsa (non-violence), truth, non-possession, and liberation through self-discipline.
Core aim: To attain Moksha by freeing the soul from karmic bondage.

2. Jainism

Definition & Introduction

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion emphasising non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and liberation of the soul through self-discipline and non-attachment. It traces its origins to the succession of 24 Tirthankaras, the last being Vardhamana Mahavira.

Founder / Last Tirthankara: Mahavira

Birth: 540 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali (Bihar) in the Jnatrika clan.
Parents: Siddhartha and Trishala.
Renunciation: At age 30, gave up worldly life.
Enlightenment: After 12 years of penance, attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at Jrimbhikagrama.
Death (Nirvana): 468 BCE at Pavapuri (Bihar).

Core Teachings

Five Great Vows (Mahavratas)

Ahimsa (Non-violence)
Satya (Truth)
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Aparigraha (Non-possession)

Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)

Right Faith (Samyak Darshana)
Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana)
Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)

Philosophy

Belief in karma and rebirth.
Denial of creator god — soul is eternal and independent.
Salvation through self-effort.

Sects of Jainism

Digambara: Sky-clad monks, women cannot attain liberation in present life.
Svetambara: White-clad monks, women can attain liberation.

Jain Councils

First Council: Pataliputra (3rd century BCE) — compiled 12 Angas.
Second Council: Vallabhi, Gujarat (5th century CE) — final compilation of scriptures.

Jain Literature

Written in Prakrit, Ardhamagadhi, Sanskrit.
Agamas: Canonical texts.
Kalpasutra: Life of Mahavira and other Tirthankaras.

Spread of Jainism

Royal patronage by Chandragupta Maurya (migrated to Karnataka with Bhadrabahu).
Spread to western and southern India.

Decline of Jainism

Rise of devotional Hinduism and Bhakti movement.
Decline of royal patronage in many regions.

Bihar Relevance

Pavapuri: Nirvana site of Mahavira; Jal Mandir built in his memory.
Vaishali: Birthplace of Mahavira.
Jain temples at Rajgir and Champapuri.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

ASI renovation of Jal Mandir in Pavapuri.
Development of Jain tourism circuit in Bihar.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2017): Mahavira attained Nirvana at? → Pavapuri
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2012): The birthplace of Mahavira is? → Kundagrama (Vaishali)
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2008): What is the language of Jain scriptures? → Prakrit

Expected MCQs

📝 First Jain council was held at? → Pataliputra
📝 Number of Tirthankaras in Jainism? → 24
📝 Who was the 23rd Tirthankara? → Parshvanatha

Quick Revision Points

Origin: 24 Tirthankaras; last: Mahavira.
Five vows and Three Jewels are core.
Two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara.
Bihar: Birthplace (Vaishali) and Nirvana site (Pavapuri) of Mahavira.
Literature in Prakrit.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

Jainism, formalised by Mahavira in 6th century BCE, promotes liberation through non-violence, truth, and renunciation. Its philosophy is centred on the Five Great Vows and Three Jewels. Bihar is central to Jain history, with Vaishali and Pavapuri as sacred sites. Jainism spread widely under royal patronage but declined with the rise of other faiths. Its heritage remains in temples and texts preserved in multiple Indian states.