Jainism, along with Buddhism, emerged as a major religious sect in the middle Gangetic basin during the sixth century B.C.

•  This period witnessed significant opposition to the ritualistic practices and orthodox ideas of the Brahmanas, leading to the rise of several heterodox movements. 
• The evolution of Jainism was deeply influenced by the prevailing social, economic, and religious conditions of the time.

Factors Facilitating the Rise of Jainism

• Religious Factors

  • The elaborate and expensive rituals and sacrifices of the Later Vedic period alienated the common people.
  • With the breakdown of community participation, these practices became irrelevant to many sections of society.
  • The dominance of the Brahmanas, who controlled religious rites, created dissatisfaction.
  • The philosophical teachings of the Upanishads were too complex for the masses.

• Social Factors

  • The rigid caste system caused tensions, with privileges reserved for the upper classes.
  • Kshatriyas, wielding increasing political power, opposed the Brahmanical monopoly.
  • Both Jainism and Buddhism emphasized non-violence, challenging practices like cattle slaughter.
  • The growth of trade brought prominence to trading groups like the Setthis, but their status remained low due to the caste hierarchy.
  • Brahmanical texts disapproved of trade and sea voyages, considering them impure, whereas Buddhists and Jains embraced them.

• Economic Factors

• • The advent of money and the practice of lending at interest conflicted with traditional Brahmanical ideologies.
  • Urbanization led to eating houses and prostitution, which were frowned upon by Brahmanical texts but not by Jainism.
  • Jainism provided a more inclusive approach, allowing women and marginalized groups to participate in its practices.
  • The rise of Kshatriyas and their focus on agricultural protection aligned with Jain ideals.

Origin and Key Teachings of Jainism

• Tirthankaras

• Jain tradition speaks of 24 Tirthankaras responsible for its philosophy.

• • • Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, preached non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession.
    • Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, added celibacy to these principles.

• Vardhaman Mahavira

• • • Born in 540 B.C. near Vaishali, Bihar, into the Kshatriya Jnatrika clan.
    • After renouncing worldly life at 30, he pursued asceticism and attained Supreme Knowledge at 42.
    • Known as Mahavira (supreme hero), Jina (conqueror), and Nirgrantha (free from fetters).

• Doctrines of Jainism

• Jainism advocates five main principles:

• • Non-violence (Ahimsa)
  • Truth (Satya)
  • Non-stealing (Asteya)
  • Non-possession (Aparigraha)
  • Celibacy (Brahmacharya)
• The philosophy of Jainism emphasizes the Triratna (Three Jewels): Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Action.
• Jainism teaches that the soul (jiva) and matter (ajiva) are fundamental elements. Liberation (moksha) is achieved by overcoming desires and living a virtuous life.
• Jainism rejects the concept of a supreme creator and believes in the eternal law of decay and development.

Jain Architecture and Literature During  Jainism

• Architectural Contributions

• Caves (Layana/Gumphas): 

• • Ellora Caves (Maharashtra)
  • Mangi-Tungi Cave (Maharashtra)
  • Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves (Odisha)
  • Sittanavasal Cave (Tamil Nadu)
• Statues
  • Gommateshwara Statue, Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
  • Statue of Ahimsa, Mangi-Tungi hills (Maharashtra)
• Temples (Jinalayas)
  • Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
  • Girnar and Palitana Temples (Gujarat)
  • Muktagiri Temple (Maharashtra)
• Literary Contributions
  • The original doctrines were contained in 14 old texts known as Purvas.
  • At the first Council at Pataliputra, these were organized into 12 Angas, accepted by Svetambaras but not by Digambaras.
  • The second Council at Vallabhi in 512 CE compiled and systematized the sacred texts.
• Philosophical Concepts

• • Anekantavada: Emphasizes the complexity of truth, accepting multiple perspectives.
  • Syadvada: Advocates conditional judgments based on circumstances.
  • While Anekantavada focuses on diverse attributes, Syadvada describes relative truths.

Spread of Jainism

Jainism gained prominence with royal patronage from rulers like Udayin and Chandragupta Maurya.

• The migration of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta to Karnataka during a famine led to the spread of Jainism in the south.
• Mathura and Ujjain became major Jain centers during the early Christian Era.
• The split between Digambaras (sky-clad) and Svetambaras (white-clad) marked a significant divide in Jainism.