Jainism in Indian History
By S. B. Deo
Summary
S. B. Deo’s article ‘Jainism in Indian History’ surveys the historical development and influence of Jainism across India. It opens by emphasising the tradition that Jainism is of remote antiquity, revealed repeatedly by a succession of twenty‑four Tirthankaras beginning with Rsabha. The author recounts the life of Rsabha, who is portrayed both as a cultural hero introducing the seventy‑two arts and as a spiritual teacher who renounced worldly life and inaugurated the tradition of renunciation. The narrative then discusses Parsvanatha (8th century BCE), the 23rd Tirthankara, and Mahavira (6th century BCE), whose teachings systematised Jain doctrine. The article traces the spread of Jain communities and their interactions with different dynasties. During the Maurya period, Chandragupta embraced Jainism under Bhadrabahu’s guidance, leading to the religion’s establishment in the south. The piece notes the role of early Jaina scholars in developing literature, logic and mathematics, and mentions that Jainism fostered mercantile guilds and urban prosperity. Jainism’s emphasis on non‑violence influenced social attitudes and was sometimes blamed for martial weakness, yet the article cites examples of Jaina kings and generals who maintained armies while following ahimsa. Moving to medieval times, the author describes how epigraphic records show that Mughal emperor Akbar and his successors protected Jaina holy places, exempted them from taxes and granted titles to prominent ascetics. Jaina communities flourished under the patronage of regional dynasties like the Kadambas, Gangas, Calukyas and Rastrakutas, contributing to temple architecture, sculpture and learning. Jainism coexisted with Brahmanical and Buddhist traditions, and its teachers promoted tolerance and cultural synthesis. The article concludes by observing that Jainism continued to influence Indian society through its values of asceticism, charity, intellectual inquiry and non‑violence, leaving a lasting imprint on art, literature and ethics.
Conclusion
The article concludes that Jainism has played a significant role in shaping Indian civilisation. From prehistoric times through the Maurya era and into the medieval period, Jain communities contributed to economic life, learning, art and architecture. Their adherence to non‑violence and tolerance fostered social harmony while encouraging rulers to support cultural pursuits. Despite periods of decline, Jainism survived by adapting to changing political climates and cultivating patronage. Its enduring ethical ideals—non‑violence, truth, self‑discipline and charity—continue to inform Indian culture and underscore Jainism’s historical importance.