Jainism is considered one of the oldest religions originating in ancient India. Vardhmana Mahavira was the founder of the Jain religion. He preached a path to attain purity of the spirit and enlightenment through discipline and ahimsa (non-violence).

Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira after he attained true knowledge, was born in Bihar and related to the members of the eminent dynasty of Magadha. He was considered the last Tirthankara among 24 Tirthankara, the first being Rishabh. At twenty years of age, he renounced worldly life and left home searching for truth. After rigorous practise of penance and deep meditation for thirteen years, Vardhamana attained Kevala Jnana, or true knowledge of spiritual matters, and became known as Mahavira. His adherents came to be known as Jains. After the death of Mahavira, due to dissent over his doctrines, the Jain community, in the later 300 B.C., split into two sects: the Svetambara and the Digambaras.

The Rise of Jainism

6th century India was a period of social and religious unrest. The old ritualistic Vedic tradition had become a strong factor for reformation. Besides the intellectual unrest, many social and economic inequalities existed during that period. People wanted a different kind of society and a new belief system. They started thinking critically about the ills and sorrows of life, and their desire to remove these ills led to the establishment of numerous religious sects, of which Jainism was one of them. 

The various causes which favoured the rise and growth of the Jain religion were as follows:

• The Caste system: In the Vedic period, the society was divided into four castes:  Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. These caste divisions were more like rigid compartments. Birth, not profession, was considered while deciding the caste. People belonging to the lower castes were ill-treated and looked down upon by the higher castes. Untouchability increased. There were even restrictions on food, drinks, and marriages. Interchange of caste was impossible. The critical thinkers and reformers disapproved of such unjust social distinctions among the people. Jain religion was like a fresh breeze; it believed in the equality of all human beings. It even favoured women’s freedom, which attracted people to join the new religion.

• Reaction against ritualism: Meaningless rituals and complicated ceremonies replaced the simple religion of the early Aryans. The rites and ceremonies encouraged by the priests to perform yajnas were expensive and beyond the means of ordinary people. This disconnected people from religious beliefs and practices. Jain religion did not give importance to meaningless rites and ceremonies. Mahavira preached the purification of the soul and that one can attain liberation from the karma cycle and reincarnation by practising the right faith, proper knowledge, and right conduct.

• Difficult Vedic language: Sanskrit was considered a sacred language in which most Vedic literature was composed. The Brahmin priests gave discourses and chanted mantras in this language, which was beyond the understanding of the local people. Mahavira used the common languages of the masses to preach his beliefs and doctrines, which were understandable and acceptable to people. 

• Killing of animals to perform sacrifices: The ceremonial sacrifices and yajnas required the killing of numerous animals. These also tampered with their farming work; thus, the people resented making such senseless sacrifices to appease Gods. Jain religion gave light to such dark practices. It is believed that all creatures, animals possess life. 

• Economic cause: The Vaisyas wanted to enhance their social status but were not allowed under the orthodox Varna system. Money-lending, which was prohibited in Vedas, was imperative for traders. The killing of animals to perform sacrifices was against the interest of farmers in the Gangetic valley. Jain religion and Buddhism preached the principle of non-violence, which suited settled agrarian communities better. This helped in agricultural development, which increased the economic conditions.

Impact on the Indian Society

The simple doctrines of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attracted many followers. He emphasised the practice of ahimsa. The Jains did not accept the authority of the Vedas. Royal patronage led to the growth of the Jain religion. Many kings patronise Jainism, such as Rashtrakuta or King Chalukya. It spread to Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and many more states in India. The influence of the Jain religion in South India was due to Bhadrabahu’s teachings. 

Jain religion had a significant impact on Indian culture and society. The growth of vernacular languages, art, architecture, social welfare of mankind, etc., drew thousands of people to accept the new religion. 

Conclusion

India was a period of social and religious unrest. The old ritualistic Vedic led to intellectual unrest, along with many social and economic inequalities existing during that period. People wanted a different kind of society and a new belief system. 

The rites and complicated ceremonies of the 6th century disconnected people from religious beliefs and practices. This favoured the rise of the Jain religion as it gave no importance to meaningless rituals. People found Mahavira’s preaching understandable and acceptable as he used a common language instead of Sanskrit, which the common people could not understand. Jain religion had a significant impact on Indian culture and society.