History of Jainism in IndiaHistory of Jainism in India - Informative & researched article on History of Jainism in India Indian Religion in ForumArticles

Art & Culture|Entertainment|Health|Reference|Sports|Society|TravelFo rum | RSS Feeds | Free E-magazine Indian Religion : Vastu Shastra l Indian Religions l Indian Myths l Indian Mythology l Gods of India l Goddesses Of India l Religious Thinkers of India l Types of Religion in India l History of Indian Religion l Indian Yogis l Ajivikas l Sacred Scriptures in Indian Religion l Tantra l Shaivism l Indian Communities l Sacred Animals in India l Roman Impact on South Indian Art and Society l Bhattacharyas l Indian Classical Terms Home > Society > Indian Religion > Types of Religion in India > Jainism > History of Jainism in India

History of Jainism in India History of Jainism in India can be traced to ancient times. But there is a lot of confusion with regard to the origin of Jainism. The fate of Jainism differed with varying time periods.

Theories of Knowledge Vardhamana Teachings of Jainism Digambara Sect Jainism in South India Jain Religious sites in Rajasthan Arhatas King Siddartha Parshvanatha Avasarpini Kalpasutra Principles Of Jainism Jainism in North India Jainism in Gujarat Jains under Islamic Rule Jainism in the Deccan Jains under Hindu Rule Decline of Jainism in India Duties of Common Man History of Jainism in India Jain Tirthankaras Non-Canonical Jain Literature Jain Society Jain Sects Rituals in Jain Temples Sources of Jain History Jainism in Bihar Jainism under Maurya Empire

Jainism had originated in North India, centuries before Gautama Buddha and spread gradually to the most distant parts of the South of Peninsular India. After a period of exceptional prosperity during which it dominated the religious thinking and cultural life of the people of large stretches of the land, it was gradually driven out by Hinduism which had again become stronger and by the victoriously advancing Islam from many of its territories and it lost its pre-eminence it possessed from the fifth to the twelfth century in the west and in the south; but even now, it has a sway over a small, but enterprising number of devotees, spread over the whole of India, who command quite a considerable influence on account of their education, their social status and their riches. Greeks appear to have been the first Europeans who came in contact with Jains. They had come to India during the period of Alexander the Great and Diadochi. But no information exists about the Jains from this period. Ancient History of Jainism Jains consider that religion is eternal and imperishable, it is without any beginning and it will never cease to exist. It may be forgotten from time to time. It has been said that 24 Tirthankaras or Prophets had appeared in the history of Jainism who had shaped the foundation of Jain thought. Jains know their names and they can narrate many details from their life. But what is narrated about the most of them has quite a legendian appearance. The Buddhists, by whom Jains are most fiercely fought as the enemies of the true doctrine, very often mention Lord Mahavira as a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and thus testify to his historical existence. According to historical records Parsava was the predecessor of Mahavira. It can be presumed that it originated earliest in a period, when the new doctrine of the souls appeared. Then the first century after the year 1000 B.C. would be the higher limit for the time of its origin. Some historical opinion also says that Jainism was established by Parsva around 800 B.C. As far as the seat of Jainism is considered the state of Bihar was one of the oldest seats of the religion. Medieval History of Jainism The medieval history of Jains states that the influence of Jainism as a religion had declined in India under the Islam rulers. Conquests from several Muslim rulers brought down the stronghold of the Jains. Several atrocities were meted out to the Jain followers. Many Jain temples and books were destroyed by the Muslim rulers. On the other hand under the Hindu rulers the conditions of the Jains were much better. Unlike the torture which the Islam

rulers carried on the followers of Jainism the Hindu rulers in many cases encouraged the growth of Jainism. And in most cases in the Hindu states the Hindu rulers allowed the Jains to practice their religion unhindered. Modern History of Jainism Jains could pursue their religious practices under the British rule, unhindered by political confusion. Practice of Jainism under the British rule promoted the growth of trade. The major part of the community lived from it, and thus raised the standard of living of the big Jain businessmen. About the growth and gradual progress of Jainism it can be said that in spite of its glamour, the numerical strength communities have constantly gone down. The reason for the constant decrease among the followers of Mahavira`s religion is the conversion of a great number of laymen to Hinduism which was constantly growing in strength The teachings of the Jinas are known to only very few in their real form, and far lesser people read the holy texts or the authentic writings of their faith; for many belonging to Jainism means almost only that certain ceremonies are carried out and certain conceptions about body and soul, and soul, about rebirth and Karma are considered to be correct. (Last Updated on : 6/07/2010)

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Religion Cult of Devi in India Cult of Devi focuses on the worship of the Devi, the Goddess, who is said to be the source and the creative element of nature. It prescribes certain essential practices by which man can achieve his final aim- that of Moksha or salvation. Teachings of Lord Mahavira Teachings of Mahavira had a scientific explanation of the nature and meaning of life and guided the followers as to how one should behave to draw this real nature and meaning into his own life. Life of Mahavira Life of Mahavira is an example of absolute truthfulness and chastity. Mahavira s conception, birth, renunciation of home life, attainment of supreme knowledge, and death occurred when the moon was in conjunction with

the asterism Uttaraphalguni. Vallabhacharya Vallabhacharya was a devotional philosopher, who founded the Pushti sect and the philosophy of Shuddha advaita in India.

E-mail this Article | Post a Comment

Free E-magazine Subscribe to Free E-Magazine on Indian Religion

History of Jainism in India - Informative & researched article on History of Jainism in India Sitemap Contact Us | RSS Feeds Copyright 2008 Jupiter Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved including the right to reproduce the contents in whole or in part in any form or medium without the express written permission of Jupiter Infomedia Pvt. Ltd.