Jains believe that all living beings, from plants to animals to bacteria, and that, theoretically all souls have the potential to attain nirvana. In this blog, let us learn everything that is there about Jainism and its contribution to Indian culture.

 

Religious text

 

Have you ever wondered, how did we get to know about the teachings of Mahavira?

 

Well, the teachings of any faith or religion are summarized into its religious text and these religious texts treasure the teaching in it which is being passed on from one generation to another.

 

As we know that the religious texts of Buddhism were written in Prakrit and Pali language, Jainism also adopted the Prakrit language to preach their doctrines. Although the followers of Jainism used Ardh-Magadhi to write their religious texts. Ardh-Magadhi was spoken in the middle Indo-Aryan age and also is spoken in some parts of modern-day Uttar Pradesh.

 

Do you know what are these religious texts called?

 

These religious texts of Jainism are called Purvas and Angas. But what are these Purvas and Angas and what is the difference between them?

 

Sri Gautam Swami

 

Sri Gautam Swami, the prime student of Lord Mahavira compiled his teachings into 12 parts. These are called 12 �Angas�. There was also knowledge from the tradition of Pre � Lord Mahavira means before Lord Mahavira. These traditions are compiled into 14 �Purvas�. Unfortunately, the knowledge of these 14 Purvas and 11 Angas is lost today.

 

How did Jainism contribute to Indian Culture?

 

We have discussed the contributions of Buddhism to Indian culture. Let's see what was the impact of Jainism on Indian culture.

 

Growth of Vernacular Language:

 

First of all, what do you understand by the term �vernacular�?

 

Well, the term �vernacular� means �a language spoken by common people of any specific country or region�. Mahavira and Jain Munis chose the languages spoken by common people to preach and to write their religious texts. Mahavira preached in the Ardh-Magadhi language.

 

Their most prestigious work is written in the Prakrit language. Jainism�s significant impacts can be seen in Kannada and Gujarati literature.

 

Art and Architecture:

 

The impact of Jainism architecture can be seen today as well. They constructed Stupas to honor their Munis. Some of the key features of the architecture of their time are beautiful gateways, railings, and pillars with stone carvings. The caves were usually carved out of the rocks which tells that the craftsmen of that age were very skilled and efficient.

An example of Jain architecture

 

Some examples of beautiful Jainism architecture are �the lion caves in the Udaigiri Hills of the Madhya Pradesh, �Indra Sabha caves� at Ellora in Maharashtra, �the great statue of Bahubali� at Shravana Belogola in Karnataka, the Dilwara temple at Mt. Abu, Ranakpur temple near Jodhpur and Jain Tower at Chittor. There are also some paintings built by the Jains like at Parshavam Hill, Rajgriha, Mt. Abu (Rajasthan)

 

Impact on Socio-Religious Life:

 

As we know that there were many complex rituals being followed in Hinduism. Jainism succeeded in the removal of these evils of Hinduism. People started following the principle of �Ahimsa� and reduced sacrificing animals for ceremonies like �yajna�.

 

Jain Munis preached against the caste system and managed to remove the evils of the caste system. The principle of �Ahimsa� led to the weakening of the fighting spirit of the people for the kingdom.

 

But this turned out to be a negative impact as well. Can you guess why?

 

Well, this also led to the foreign invasions and establishment of their control over the country because people stopped fighting to conquer other kingdoms.

 

Jainism Questions:

 

1. Which of the following is not an example of Jainism architecture?
a. Dilwara Temple
b. Jain Tower
c. Ranapur Temple
d. The Stupa of Sanchi

 

2. Lion caves are located in Udaigiri hills of ___________.
a. Karnataka
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Gujarat
d. Andhra Pradesh

 

3. Jainism preached against _________.
a. Gender equality
b. Racism
c. Caste system
d. Child-Marriage

 

4. The fighting spirits of people were weakened by _______
a. Principle of Ahimsa
b. Caste system
c. Child Marriage
d. Hinduism

 

5. Which of the following is not a key feature of Jainism architecture?
a. Beautiful gateways
b. Stone pillars with carvings
c. Round tombs
d. Railings

 

Questions 2:

 

1. The religious texts of Jainism were written in which language?
a. Prakrit
b. Ardh � Magadhi
c. Pali
d. Sanskrit

 

2. Which of the following group represents Jainism religious text?
a. Purva & Angas
b. Anga & Tripitaka
c. Purvas & Tripitaka
d. Tripitaka & Jataka tales

 

3. How many Purvas were there in total?
a. 14
b. 12
c. 11
d. 19

 

4. How many Angas are there in total?
a. 14
b. 11
c. 10
d. 12

 

5. Who compiled the teachings of Lord Mahavira in �Angas�?
a. Gautam Buddha
b. Sri Gautam Swami
c. Lord Mahavira
d. Lord Parshvnath

 

Read More:

 

Difference Between Jainism and Buddhism - Similarities and Comparison