History of Jainism

Jainism is an ancient religion of India. Jains trace their history through twenty-four tirthankara and revere Rishabhanatha as the first tirthankara (in the present time-cycle). The last two tirthankara, the 23rd tirthankara Parshvanatha (c. 872 – c. 772 BCE) and the 24th tirthankara Mahavira (c. 599 – c. 527 BCE) are historical figures. There is limited historical evidence for the 22nd tirthankara Neminatha who was the cousin of Krishna. Jainism is a philosophy of eternity and Jains consider their religion to be eternal. According to Heinrich Zimmer, Jainism can be traced back as far as third or fourth millennium BC, due to the discovery of a series of great late Stone Age cities in the Indus Valley.

The two main sects of Jainism, Digambara and Śvētāmbara were formed in 3rd century BC. They were later subdivided into several sub-sects. Jainism faced a period of decline in medieval India till 19th century due to attacks from Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, after which it was revived by various Jain saints.

The origins of Jainism are obscure. The Jains claim their religion to be eternal, and consider Rishabhanatha to be the founder in the present time-cycle. Different scholars have had different views on the origin.

Scholars like Dr. Vilas A. Sangave, Champat Rai Jain, Prof. Buhler, H. Jacobi, Dr. Hornell, Pt. Sukhalalji, Prof. Vidyalankara, and others believe that Jainism is the earliest known religious system prevailing in India and was widespread in the Indus Valley. The relics found in Harrapan excavations like the standing nude male figures in Kayotsarga, idols in Padmasana and images with serpent-heads, and the Bull symbol of Rishabhanatha, represent Jain culture. According to Glasenapp (a Western scholar), the first century after the year 1000 BCE would be the higher limit to the origin of Jainism and he considers the first twenty-two tirthankaras as legendary mythical figures.

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