Why this matters now
Jainism is a prelims favourite — the Tirthankaras, doctrines (Three Jewels, five vows, anekantavada), the Digambara–Svetambara split and Jain art/literature are regularly asked in GS-1.
Mahavira and the Tirthankaras
Jains believe in 24 Tirthankaras (ford-makers); Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) was the first and Parshvanatha the 23rd. Vardhamana Mahavira (c. 540–468 BCE), the 24th and last Tirthankara, attained kaivalya (omniscience) and is titled Jina (the conqueror), from which “Jainism” derives.
Core teachings
Liberation comes via the Three Jewels (Triratna): right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. Followers observe five vows: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), aparigraha (non-possession) and brahmacharya (celibacy, added by Mahavira). Jain philosophy stresses anekantavada (many-sidedness of truth) and syadvada, and rejects the authority of the Vedas and the caste system.
Schism, councils and legacy
Jainism split into the Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad) sects. Two Jain councils (at Pataliputra and Valabhi) compiled the canon (the Angas). Jainism shaped Prakrit and regional literature, temple architecture (Dilwara, Shravanabelagola’s Gomateshwara) and is strong in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Karnataka.
UPSC angle
Know Mahavira (24th Tirthankara, Jina), the Three Jewels, the five vows (ahimsa etc.), anekantavada/syadvada, the Digambara–Svetambara split and the Jain councils. Note Rishabhanatha (1st) and Parshvanatha (23rd).
Frequently asked questions
Who was Mahavira?
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, who attained omniscience and is called Jina (the conqueror).
What are the Three Jewels of Jainism?
Right faith, right knowledge and right conduct (Triratna) — the path to liberation.
What are the five vows of Jainism?
Ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), aparigraha (non-possession) and brahmacharya (celibacy).
What are the two main sects of Jainism?
The Digambara (sky-clad) and the Svetambara (white-clad).