The Contributions of Jainism

Jainism and the Vedic religions of that time are closely tied to each other in various ways. Over time, the Vedic religions behaved strictly, assertively, and conservatively, which brought about the rule of Brahma, the upper-caste Hindus, while the lower castes were trapped in misery. On the other hand, the teachings of Jainism were open to all, regardless of caste and creed. With their ideology and ethics of the three jewels of Jainism, namely, pursuing truth with proper knowledge, the proper conduct of not harming other living beings, and living in accordance with nature, they won the hearts of common people. And thus, Jainism played a significant role in changing the religious conduct of Indian culture, landing a severe blow to Vedic teachings. 

The various contributions

The contributions of Jainism can be divided into different areas. Mainly, Jainism focuses on helping ordinary people, lower castes, and creeds. The various contributions and influences of Jainism can be manifested through literary formulation, philosophical development, influence on politics, social change, and Jainism’s artistic and architectural heritage.

• Literary Formulation

The most valuable contribution to Jain literature is their contribution to improving vernacular literature. We call it the advancement of vernacular literature because Mahavir preached Jainism in Ardha Magadhi, the language of ordinary people, which made the preaching more accessible to people in different regions.

Their writings can also be found further in the Prakrit language, which illustrates some of their most important works in modern society, and some of their textual works and sermons in Sanskrit.

• Philosophical Growth

Jain philosophy was heavily influenced by Vedic religion because of ceremonial rituals, which made the central philosophy of Jainism of no injury to any living being, bringing them very close to nature and increasing their respect for it. Ironically, they opposed the idea of God as the creator; instead, they made an affirmed philosophy for themselves, the perfection of humanity with strict ethical conduct and respect. 

Apart from the idea of peace and harmony with all things, animate or inanimate, Jainism teaches philosophy with severe acts of righteous conduct.

• Influence over Politics 

Through the teachings of Jainism and its philosophy, it is clear that people are starting to change. The rituals of sacrificing animals were reduced, and the differences in the caste system were also reduced. Many Hinduism scholars began to focus on eradicating the evil that had crept up amongst themselves by advocating the philosophies of non-violence and peace, along with their learning of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, which are the three jewels of Jainism. 

But with time, it was seen that the philosophy of non-violence and peace had dampened the military and fighting spirits of the regions and the rulers along with its people. Though the teachings made them tolerant, they also influenced the people and country in a long-lasting way that changed the political structure as a whole. 

Changes seen in society

• Jainism paved the right path for mankind to create a healthy society, which worked alongside their philosophy of non-violence and peace. Mahavir’s preaching for the removal and his opposition to the caste system and the unfairness towards people of different castes made drastic changes to society. 
• People, mainly merchants and traders, embraced Jainism in a flourishing way because the idea created a sense of intimacy and brotherhood among the working class. And this sense of brotherhood amongst these merchants and traders helped them hold a position of importance in society as they helped each other in improving their financial status as well as power status, leading them to have as much fame in society as the ruling classes.
• This cooperation with each other changes the face of society. Lower-caste people didn’t need to be afraid of people from the higher castes, and they could now hold their heads high, as long as they worked for it, and they wouldn’t be exploited too easily. All of this was owed to the inevitable social reforms brought on by the Jain philosophy and its teachings. 
• People following Jainism also advocated creating institutes of scholars regardless of caste, hospitals, hotels, places that allow food and clothing for the needy, etc. And over time, people with considerable wealth began to dabble in these practices that serve the people and help society progress.

 Artistic and architectural heritage

• The architectural heritage of Jainism is very rich, as seen in modern society. The Jains constructed stupas in respect of their sages and saints. One of the most prominent is the Bahubali statue. 
• Well-crafted caves, such as the Tiger Cave at Udayagiri Hill in Madhya Pradesh and Indira Saba at Ellora Caves, showed the highest efficiency in the craftsmanship of that era.
• The temples of Gwalior, the Dilwara temple at Mt. Abu, the Ranakpur temple, and the Jain tower are some of the examples of the holy places of Jainism that show us the beautiful gateways, artistic murals, and pillars crafted in the Jain period.  

Conclusion

After the initial acceptance and insurgence of Jainism, we saw the rapid growth of Indian culture altogether. The literary growth, along with the philosophies integrating into the main teachings of Jainism, turned into the Jain scriptures of today’s world. The wider attention to the common people and the society influenced the political structure in a major way. Huge contributions can also be seen in the artistic and architectural heritage of some Jainism holy places today.