Jain Councils, Spread Of Jainism, and Royal Patrons | UPSC History

Jainism is one of the oldest religions that date back to the mid-first century of Indian culture. According to some traditions, it predates the Vedic religion. 

Jain Councils 

There are several Jain councils mentioned in the ancient sacred texts. The first council was held at Patipultra. There was twelve years-long famine that resulted in the monks moving to the coast. When the famine ended, they gathered the sacred knowledge and put together the eleven Angas. 

The second council was held at Mathura under the divine Skandila and the other one was held at Vallabhi under the divine Nagarjuna to continue the transmission of sacred knowledge after the famines. The third council was called Vallabhi Council II. In this council, it was discussed reducing down to writing sacred texts that have been transmitted orally. 

Spread Of Jainism 

The Jainism religion was spread because of the simple language in which it was preached by Vardhamana Mahavira and later through the efforts of the Jain munis. The main reason for the spread of Jainism happened because of the religion between the equal treatment of all men and women, irrespective of their caste. 

Royal Patrons Of Jainism Many dynasties, and kings joined in Jainism. Like: 

1. Bimbisara ruled during a period when Vardhamana Mahavira began his teachings. 

2. Ajatashatru was nurtured in traditional Indian warfare, his story was found in both Jain and Buddhist literature. 

3. Jainism entered a new era in Indian history during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. He was a staunch supporter of Jainism. 

4. Chandragupta Maurya’s son Bindusara joined Jainism before his death. A mythology regarding Bindusara’s name appears in both Buddhist, and Jain Writings. 

5. Dynasties like Chalukyas, Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagar, and others supported Jainism and helped in the building of Jain temples. 

Jainism remains an important component of Indian culture today. India is a vast country with many kingdoms, and royal patrons and kings supported Jainism which helped in the growth of the religion.

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