Jainism is a crucial topic for various Indian competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, RRB, and Banking. Understanding Jainism—traditionally traced to Rishabhnath (the 1st Tirthankara) and significantly reformed by Vardhaman Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara)—is essential for these exams, where questions on Mahavira’s life, core teachings, and Jain philosophy often appear.
This guide covers the essential teachings, historical facts, important events, and significant Jain concepts, along with the most important MCQs for SSC and RRB exams preparation.
Founder of Jainism & Early History
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Founder of Jainism: According to Jain tradition, the very 1st Tirthankara of Jainism is Rishabhnath (also known as Adinath).
- He is regarded as an incarnation of Narayana in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana.
- The symbol (emblem) of Rishabhnath is the Bull.
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How old is Jainism?
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Jainism is at least 2,500 years old and is considered one of the oldest religions in the world.
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Jain scriptures and references in the Rig Veda (mentioning Rishabh and Arishtanemi) suggest that Jainism is extremely old, predating many other religious traditions.
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Who is the founder of Jainism?
- Although tradition honors Rishabhnath as the first Tirthankara and thereby the earliest founder-like figure, many also consider Vardhaman Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) to be the major historical founder or reformer of Jainism.
The 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism
There are 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) in Jainism. Jains worship many deities, but primarily worship the four Tirthankaras Mahavira, Parshvanath, Neminath, and Rishabhanath. :
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Rishabhnath (1st Tirthankara of Jainism)
- Emblem – Bull
- Mentioned in the Rig Veda.
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Arishtanemi (22nd Tirthankara)
- Also found in Vedic references.
- Also known as Neminath
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Parsavanath (23rd Tirthankara)
- Symbol: Serpent
- He was a prince of Banaras who renounced the throne.
- Died at Sammet Sikhar (Parasanath hill) in Giridih district of Jharkhand.
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Vardhaman Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)
- Emblem: Lion
Life of Vardhaman Mahavira
Often referred to as Mahavira Jainism:
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Birth & Family
- Born in 540 BC at Kundalgram near Vaishali in Bihar.
- Parents: Siddhartha (head of Jnatrika clan) and Trishla (Lichchhavi princess).
- Married to Yashoda; had a daughter Priyadarsana, whose husband Jamali was his first disciple.
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Renunciation & Ascetic Life
- At age 30, became an ascetic and initially joined the order founded by Parsavanath, but left it later.
- Wandered for six years with Gosala, who later founded the Ajivika Sect.
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Kaivalya (Perfect Knowledge)
- Attained Kaivalya at age 42 under a sal tree at Jimbhikagrama on the banks of the river Rijupalika.
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First Sermon & Jain Sangha
- Delivered his first sermon at Pava to eleven disciples (Ganddharas).
- Established a Jain Sangha at Pava.
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Death
- Died at age 72 in 468 BC at Pavapuri near Rajagriha.
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Titles
- Jina (conqueror), Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses), Kevalin (perfect learned), Nirgranthas (free from all bonds), Arihant (blessed one), and Mahavira (the brave).
- Followers called Nirgranthas or Jainas.
Teachings of Mahavira
These principles of Jainism form the core of Mahavira’s teachings:
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Rejection of Vedic Authority & God
- Mahavira rejected the authority of the Vedas and did not believe in the existence of a creator god.
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Belief in the Soul (Jiva)
- Every object possesses a soul, leading to the practice of strict non-violence (Ahimsa).
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Salvation Through Penance
- Emphasized penance and the possibility of attaining salvation (Moksha) even through severe practices like fasting to death (Sallekhana).
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Equality & Karma
- Advocated universal brotherhood, opposed the caste system, and underscored the law of Karma and transmigration of the soul.
Jaina Philosophy
Anekantavada
- A doctrine of plurality (multisidedness).
- Reality has multiple aspects, allowing acceptance of diverse or even seemingly contradictory viewpoints.
Syadvada
- Known as the theory of “may be.”
- All judgments are relative, conditional, and limited.
- Absolute negation and absolute affirmation are both considered incorrect.
Triratna (Three Ratnas of Jainism)
Also referred to as the Three Gems of Jainism or Three Jewels of Jainism:
- Right Faith (Samyak Vishwas)
- Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnan)
- Right Conduct (Samyak Karma)
Pancha Mahavratas (Five Principles of Jainism)
- Ahimsa (Non-injury)
- Satya (Non-lying)
- Asteya (Non-stealing)
- Aparigraha (Non-possession)
- Brahmacharya (Observing celibacy)
- The first four were introduced by Parsavanath; the fifth was added by Mahavira.
- Mahavratas: The five great vows (for monks and nuns).
- Anuvratas: Lesser vows for Jain people.
Five Instruments of Knowledge
- Mati jnana – Perception through sense organs (including the brain).
- Avadhi jnana – Clairvoyant perception.
- Shruta jnana – Knowledge revealed by scriptures (the religious book of Jainism).
- Manahparyaya jnana – Telepathic knowledge.
- Keval jnana – Omniscience or absolute knowledge.
Two Sects of Jainism
After the death of Mahavira, during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, a severe famine caused a major exodus of Jain monks from the Ganga valley to the Deccan region, leading to a schism:
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Digambaras (“Sky-clad”)
- Led by Bhadrabahu, who insisted on complete nudity per Mahavira’s original teachings.
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Svetambaras (“White-clad”)
- Led by Sthulabhadra, who allowed wearing white garments.
Spread of Jainism
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Eventually, Jainism became primarily concentrated in:
- Gujarat and Rajasthan – Dominated by the Svetambara sect.
- Mysore – Dominated by the Digambara sect.
Jaina Councils
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| Council | Year | Venue | Chairman | Developments |
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| First Jaina Council | 300 BC | Pataliputra | Sthulabhadra | Compilation of 12 Angas to replace the 14 Purvas. |
| Second Jaina Council | AD 512 | Vallabhi | Devridhigani Kshmasramana | Final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas. |
Important Note: The first council was held at Pataliputra (now Patna, Bihar, India) in 300 BC, under the patronage of Mauryan king Chandragupta.
Jain Literature
- The sacred texts of Jainism were compiled in the 6th century AD at Vallabhi, primarily in Prakrit (Ardhumagadhi).
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They are grouped into 6 categories:
- 12 Angas
- 12 Upangas
- 10 Parikarnas
- 6 Chhedasutras
- 4 Mulasutras
- 2 Sutragranthas
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Other important Jain texts include:
- Kalpasutra (by Bhadrabahu)
- Bhadrabahu Charita
- Parishishtaparvan (by Hemchandra)
Additional Short Notes for Exam
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What is Jainism?
- It is a religion emphasizing non-violence, karma, and self-discipline for spiritual liberation.
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Difference Between Jainism and Buddhism
- Jainism believes in an immortal soul that can be reborn and views karma as good and bad deeds affecting rebirth, emphasizing nonviolence and compassion.
- Buddhism rejects the concept of an immortal soul, focusing on rebirth through cause and effect, and follows the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path for spiritual development.
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Similarities Between Jainism and Buddhism
- Both Jainism and Buddhism reject the idea of a creator God, believe in the cycle of birth and rebirth with salvation achieved through nirvana, oppose the caste system, originated in Magadh, emphasize helping others, and teach the purification of the soul and detachment from material desires.
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Jainism Symbol
- Each Tirthankara has a distinct symbol; for instance, Rishabhnath’s bull and Parsavanath’s serpent.
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Jainism Place of Worship
- A Jain temple, Derasar (Gujarati) or Basadi (Kannada) is the place of worship for Jains, the followers of Jainism.
Most Important MCQs from Jainism
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This short note on Jainism highlights everything from its origin and founders to its principles, scriptures, and councils, as covered in these exam-focused notes.
Keep these Toppers Notes handy for quick revision, and practice MCQs that test your understanding of the teachings of Jainism, the three gems of Jainism, and the intricacies of Jainism history.