ANCIENT INDIAN

HISTORY

Ja n
 JAINISM
● There are a total 24 Tirthankaras and Mahavira is 24th.
● 1st Tirthankar - Adinath / Rishabhdev - Bull.
● 22nd Tirthankara - Neminath - Conch
● 23rd Tirthankara - Parshvanath - Snake
● 24th Tirthankara - Mahavira - Lion
● Parshwanath allowed women to enter into Jainism.
 JAINISM
● Mahavira
 JAINISM
● Parshvanath
 JAINISM
● There are 5 vows of Jainism
○ Ahimsa (Non-violence)
○ Satya (Truth)
○ Asteya (Non-stealing)
○ Aparigraha (Do not acquire property)
○ Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
(First 4 were added by the previous 23 Tirthankaras & 5th
added by Mahaveera.)
 JAINISM
● Vardhaman Mahaveer:
○ Born at Kundagram near Vaishali.
○ Father - Sidharth.
○ Mother - Trishala
○ Wife - Yashodha
○ Clan - Jantrika
○ Mahaveera left home at the age of 30 and attained the
Kaivalya (salvation) at the age of 42 years under a Sal tree.
○ Mahavira died at Pavapuri.
○ Mahavira used the Prakrit language to teach his followers.
 JAINISM
● Jainism recognized the existence of God, but place them under
Jina (the conqueror)
● Jainism didn’t condemn the Varna system. (As Buddhism did).
● Jainism believed in the theory of Karma & transmigration of
soul.
● Jainism believed in Soul.Every object, even the smallest particle
has a soul.
 JAINISM
● The main aim in Jainism is attainment of freedom from worldly
wants and that freedom is known as Kaivalya.
● No ritual is required to attain Kaivalya.
● Kaivalya can be attained through Triratnas
○ Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge)
○ Samyak Darshan (Right faith)
○ Samyak Charitra (Right action)
● Mahaveera mentioned the 2 steps to liberate the soul- Samvara
and Nirjara.
 JAINISM
● Mahaveera mentioned the 2 steps to liberate the soul- Samvara and Nirjara.
 JAINISM
● Jainism prohibited the practice of war & agriculture as they
persuaded extreme forms of non-violence & because of this
practice, (Jains) people involved in trading & Mercantile.
● The first split in Jainism by Jamali, he was the son-in-law of
Mahaveera just 4 years after the enlightenment of Mahaveera.
 JAINISM
● The second split in Jainism by Makkhali Goshala:
○ He was one of the twelve disciples of Mahaveer known as
Gandhara.
○ After the split, he founded a new sect known as Ajivika.
○ Ajivika philosophy based on Niyati and the crux of Ajivika
philosophy “everything is pre-defined & human can not change
it”.
 JAINISM
● According to one view Mahaveera was succeeded by Indrabhuti
and according to other view Mahaveera was succeeded by
Sudharma.
● A famine in Magadha region during the Mauryan period for 12
years. One group under Bhadrabahu went south from Magadha
and another group under Sthulbahu/ Sthulbhadra stayed in
Magadha.
● After the end of famine a difference developed among these 2
groups.
 JAINISM
● To sort out these differences and compilation of main
teachings of Jainism. Jaina teacher organized a Patliputra council
but it was boycotted by a southern group.
● So, the final split in Jainism in 142 AD into Shwetambar &
Digambar, And at that time head of Jainism was “Vajrasen”.
● Hemchandra Suri (11th & 12th century AD) is considered as the last
great Jaina scholar.
 JAINISM
● Mahaveera gave stress on monastic life and it is considered as
important to attain Kaivalya.
● Sallekhana - Acceptance of death inspired by religious ideas.Also
known as Santhara.
● Another important aspect of Jainism is Jaina logic i.e. Tark. It is
based on the idea that knowledge is very comprehensive and it
is beyond the conception of ordinary people.
 JAINISM
● For the complete perception it requires Kaivalya. Thus, the
emergence of Jaina doctrine of logic.
 JAINISM
● Mahaveera considered that creation is permanent and it is made
up of 6 matters.
 Creation
1. Jiva
2. Anu (Pudgal)
3. Dharma
4. Adharma
5. Akash
6. Kal
 Jaina Council
1. First Jaina Council
○ Period around 300 BC
○ Patliputra
○ Presided by Sthulbhadra
○ Under the patronage of Chandragupta Maurya
○ Compilation of 12 Angas.
 Jaina Council
2. 2nd Jaina Council
○ Period 512 A.D.
○ Place - Vallabhi (Gujarat)
○ Presided by Devardhigani Kshama Sramana
○ Final compilation of 12 Angas & 12 Upangas
 Difference between Digambar &
Shwetambar
Digambar Shwetambar

1. Orthodox sect. 1. Liberal Sect.

2. Follows the basic teachings of Jainism. 2. Deviated from basic teachings of
3. Followed the 5 vows i.e. Ahinsa, Satya, Jainism.
Asteya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya. 3. Follow only the first 4 vows except
4. Bhadrabahu was the exponent of Brahmacharya.
Digambar sect. 4. Sthulbahu was an exponent of the
Shwetambar sect.
 Difference between Digambar &
Shwetambar
Digambar Shwetambar

5. Monks are naked & nuns wear white 5. Both monks & nuns wear white
unstitched saree. cloth.
6. Mahaveera is considered as Bal 6. Mahavira is considered married.
brahmachari. 7. Women can attain Kaivalya.
7. Women can not attain Kaivalya. 8. According to them, the 19th
8. According to them,19th Tirthankar Tirthankar was Female.
Mallinath was a male. 9. Ideal monk can take a meal after
9. Ideal monk should not take a meal. salvation.
 Difference between Digambar &
Shwetambar
Digambar Shwetambar

10. Sub sect 10. Sub sects

● Mulyasangh ● Murtipujak
● Bispantha ● Sthanakvasi
● Tera pantha. ● Tera panthi
● Taran pantha
● Guman pantha
● Tota pantha
 Jaina Literature
1. Purva - oldest text.
○ Teachings of Tirthankara before Mahaveer was included
○ 14 in number
○ Prose form
○ Lost.
 Jaina Literature
2. Anga
○ 12 in number
○ In prose form
○ Subject matter - ethics, doctrines, rituals and the legends
related to Jainism.
○ 5th Anga is the most important among the 12 known as
“Bhagwati Sutra”.
 Jaina Literature
3. Upanga
○ 12 in number
○ Explanation of Angas.
○ Subject matter - deals with the doctrine of Jainism &
represents the technical treatment (application of doctrine)
 Jaina Literature
4. Prakirnaka Sutra
○ 10 in numbers
○ Subject matter - Jaina doctrine & miscellaneous matter.
○ In verses form
5. Cheyya Sutra/ Cheda sutra
○ 6 in numbers
○ Subject matter - monastic rules.
○ Most important Cheyya Sutra is the Acharanga sutra.
 Jaina Literature
6. Mul Sutra
○ 4 in number
○ Subject matter - basic principles of Jainism.
○ It provided the base for early stages of monkhood.
○ Most important Mul Sutra is Uttaradhya.
7. Nirukt & Churni
○ Commentaries on Purva.
○ These are related to the Digambar sect.
 Jaina Literature
Jaina Aagam: Jaina literature is known as Jaina Aagam, it consists of
Anga, Upanga, Prakirnaka Sutra, Cheda Sutra, Mulsutra
● These texts were accepted by Shwetambar.
 Some important Jain texts
1. Kalpasutra
○ Written by Bhadrabahu
○ Biography of Jaina Tirthankaras.
2. Anekantvijay
3. Dharmabindhu
4. Mahavir Charitra.
5. Nyayavtar Vriddhi
 Some important Jain texts
6. Parishishta Parvan.
○ 12th-century Sanskrit mahakavya by Hemachandra which
details the histories of the earliest Jain teachers.
7. Labdhisar
○ Written by Nemichandra
8. Dravya Sangrah
○ Written by Nemichandra.
 Some important Jain texts
6. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana: This is a major Jain text composed
largely by Acharya Jinasena during the rule of Rashtrakuta ruler
Amoghavarsha .
 Jaina Festivals
● Paryushana is one of the most important festivals for the Jains.
● Mahavira Jayanti, the birthday of Mahavira, is celebrated on the
thirteenth day of the fortnight of the waxing moon, in the
month of Chaitra.
● Mahamastakabhisheka -
○ It is an anointing ceremony of the statue of Lord Bahubali.
 Jaina Festivals
○ Bahubali/
Gomateshwara
 Jaina Festivals
○ The ceremony is performed only once in 12 years.
○ Lord Bahubali was the son of lord Rishabhanatha who was
the first Jain Tirthankaras.
○ Gomateshwara Bahubali statue at
Shravanabelagola(Karnataka),which was built in 983 AD by
the minister of the Ganga dynasty, Chamunda-Raya.
 Jaina Architecture
● Manstambh - Ornamented pillar structure, carrying image of
Tirthankar on top and on all four sides of structure.
● Basadi - Jaina monastic establishment in Karnataka.
 Jaina Architecture
● Manstambh
Rulers who patronized Jainism
● Bimbisar.
● Ajatshatru.
● Chndragupta Maurya.
● Kharavela- Kalinga king in the first century BC .
● Mahendravarman I- Pallava king(In the initial years of reign).
● Kadamba rulers.
Rulers who patronized Jainism
● Ganga Rulers.
● Amoghvarsha- Rashtrakuta king.
● Kumarpal- Solanki Rulers of Gujarat.
 Difference between Jainism &
Buddhism
Jainism Budhism

1. Accept the existence of God. 1. Doesn’t accept.

2. Didn’t condemn the Varna 2. Condemned the Varna
system. System.
3. Creation is permanent. 3. Creation is transient.
4. Transmigration of soul. 4. No Transmigration.
5. Complete austerity. 5. Middle Path.
 Ajivika School of Indian
Philosophy
● Ajivika School is one of the Nastika or heterodox schools of Indian
Philosophy.
● It was a shramana movement and a major rival of Vedic religion,
early Buddhism and Jainism.
● Time period – 5th century BCE,
● It was a school of thought that developed in India during the same
time as Jainism and Buddhism.
 Ajivika School of Indian
Philosophy
● Founded by Makkhali Goshala.He was one of the twelve disciples
of Mahaveer known as Gandhara.
● Ajivika philosophy is based on Niyati(Fate),it is doctrine of absolute
determinism and the crux of Ajivika philosophy “everything is
pre-defined & humans can not change it”.
● Ajivika metaphysics included a theory of atoms which was later
adapted in Vaisheshika school.
 Ajivika School of Indian
Philosophy
● But the aggregation and nature of these atoms was predetermined
by cosmic forces.
● Ājīvika philosophy reached the height of its popularity during the
rule of the Mauryan emperor Bindusara, around the 4th century
BCE.
● Barabar Caves and Nagarjuni Caves in Bihar dating from the
Mauryan Empire, were made for Ajiviks.
 Ajivika School of Indian
Philosophy
● Asceticism-Like Jains, Ajiviks wore no clothes, and lived as ascetic
monks in organised groups.
● They were known to practice extremely severe austerities.
● It was Open for all.There was no caste discrimination and people
from all walks of life joined them.
● The Ājīvika philosophy appealed most to the warrior, industrial
and mercantile classes of ancient Indian society.
 Charvaka School of Indian
Philosophy
● Charvaka also known as Lokāyata.
● It is an ancient school of Indian materialism.
● Charvaka is one of the Nastika or “heterodox” schools of Indian
Philosophy.
● Unlike Buddhism and Jainism, it was not a Dharmic Philosophy.
 Charvaka School of Indian
Philosophy
● Founder – Brihaspati, Source – Brihaspati Sutra (lost)
● Time Period – Around 5-6th century BCE.
● Although materialist schools existed before Charvaka, it was the
only school which systematised materialist philosophy by
setting them down in the form of aphorisms in the 6th century BCE.
● Charvaka holds direct perception and conditional inference as a
proper source of knowledge, embrace philosophical skepticism
and rejects ritualism and supernaturalism.
 Charvaka School of Indian
Philosophy
● Charvaka School rejects supernatural concepts like God and soul
and also metaphysical concepts like afterlife (or reincarnation)
and moksha.
● In Charvaka Philosophy, Perception is of 2 types – External and
Internal.
○ External perception is described as that arising from the
interaction of five senses and worldly objects, while
internal perception is described by this school as that of inner
sense, the mind.
 Charvaka School of Indian
Philosophy
● Charvakas further state that full knowledge is reached when we
know all observations, all premises and all conditions
● Pratyaksha (Perception) is the only valid way to knowledge
and other means of knowledge are either always conditional or
invalid.
 Charvaka School of Indian
Philosophy
● Charvaka believed that there was nothing wrong with sensual
pleasure. Charvaka thought that wisdom lay in enjoying pleasure
and avoiding pain as far as possible.
● Lokayat believed that Vedas were invented by man and had no
divine authority.
 PYQs
Q.1) The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by (1995)
(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) the Lokayukta school
 PYQs
Q.2) Assertion (A) : The emphasis of Jainism on non- violence (ahimsa)
prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism.
Reason (R) : Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2000)
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
 PYQs
Q.3) With reference to ancient Jainism, Which one of the following
statements is correct? (2004)
(a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of
Sthulubahu
(b) The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were
called Shvetambars after the Council held at Pataliputra
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the
first century BC
(d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshiped images unlike
Buddhists
 PYQs
Q.4) Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain
doctrine? (2013)
1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
 PYQs
Q.5) Consider the following statements: (2003)
1. Vardhaman Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi chief
Chetaka
2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Koshalan dynasty
3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
 PYQs
Q.6) Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and
Jainism? (1996)
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
4. Non-injury to animal life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2
 Answers
Q1 - Answer: c
Q2-Answer: a
Q3-Answer: c
Q4-Answer: d
Q5-Answer: c
Q6-Answer: b