Jainism is a philosophy-based ancient religion that provides all sentient creatures the path to liberation, spiritual purity, and enlightenment via disciplined nonviolence. At the conclusion of the Chandragupta Maurya Empire, a twelve-year famine erupted in southern Bihar. Around 300 BC, 160 years after Mahavira's death in Pataliputra, the first Jains' council was held (modern-day Bihar). This article will explain to you the First Jain Council which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

First Jain Council

• At the end of the Chandragupta Maurya Empire, a twelve-year famine erupted in southern Bihar.
• Around 300 BC, 160 years after Mahavira's death in Pataliputra, the first Jains' council was held (modern-day Bihar).
• Sthulabhadra presided over it.
• At this meeting, Jainism was divided into two factions: Svetambara and Digambara.
• To avoid starvation, Bhadrabahu, the last acharya of the undivided Jains and the leader of the Digambara sect, and his followers fled to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka.
• Sthulabhadra, the Svetambara sect's head and originator, and his followers remained in Magadha.
• During this conference, the Jains divided Mahavira's teachings into twelve Angas.
• The following are the names of the twelve Angas:
  • Samavayanga
  • Jnatrdharmakathah
  • Antakrddaasah
  • Vyakhyaprajnapti or Bhagavati sutra
  • Sutrakrtanga
  • Anuttaraupapatikadaśāh
  • Upasakadasah
  • Vipakasruta
  • Drstivada
  • Acaranga sutra
  • Prasnavyakaranani
  • Sthananga
• The Drstivada was lost due to starvation and could not be compiled. Bhadrabahu, who was in Nepal at the time, knew the Purvas.
• Following the first Jain council, Jainism was divided into two factions, Svetambara and Dighambara.
• The Svetambara sect was led by Sthulabhadra, whereas the Digambara sect was led by Bhadrabahu.

Sthulabhadra

• During a 12-year famine in the Maurya dynasty in the third or fourth century BC, Sthulabhadra (297-198 BCE) founded the Svetambara Jain order.
• He was Bhadrabahu and Sambhutavijaya's student. Before the advent of Chandragupta Maurya, his father was Sakatala, a minister in the Nanda empire.
• Sthulabhadra became a Jain monk after his brother became the kingdom's chief minister.
• Hemachandra mentions him in a 12th-century Jain scripture.
• Sthulabhadra was the brother of Srikaya and the son of Dhana Nanda's minister Sakatala. He is said to have lived between 297 and 198 BCE.
• He is supposed to have learnt the 14 purvas (pre-canons) from Bhadrabahu and is regarded as the last spiritual omniscience in the Svetambara tradition, a claim that the Digambara school rejects.
• His disciples Mahagiri and Suhasti succeeded him.
• According to Digambara traditions, Sthulabhadra approved the use of loincloths during the 12-year famine, which gave rise to the Svetambara order.

Conclusion

Jainism is an ancient philosophy-based religion that offers all sentient beings the road to freedom, spiritual purity, and enlightenment via disciplined nonviolence. Pataliputra hosted the first council. A twelve-year-long hunger forced the monks to relocate to the seaside. They gathered at Pataliputra after the hunger ended. Jainism was divided into two groups during this meeting.

FAQs

MCQs

1. The First Jain Council was convened after the death of which prominent figure?

A) Gautama Buddha

B) Mahavira

C) Chandragupta Maurya

D) Ashoka

2. Where was the First Jain Council held?

A) Varanasi

B) Pataliputra

C) Rajagriha

D) Ujjain

3. Who presided over the First Jain Council?

A) Sthulabahu

B) Bhadrabahu

C) Shramana

D) Kalpana

4. What is the significance of the Agamas in Jainism?

A) They are the teachings of Lord Buddha

B) They are the sacred scriptures of Jainism

C) They describe the life of Chandragupta Maurya

D) They are Buddhist scriptures

5. What was the main purpose of convening the First Jain Council?

A) To spread Jainism outside India

B) To compile and preserve the teachings of Mahavira

C) To conduct a census of Jain monks

D) To formulate a code of conduct for Jain monks

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the historical significance of the First Jain Council in the context of the preservation of Jain religious teachings.

Answer: The First Jain Council, held around 300 BCE after the death of Lord Mahavira, was crucial for the preservation of Jainism. With the objective to consolidate and record Mahavira's teachings, the council marked the formalization of Jain doctrine into the Agamas. This council played a vital role in ensuring the continuity of Jainism, offering a structured system of teachings that would survive for centuries. It helped unite the Jain community and provided a foundation for Jainism to spread across India. Additionally, the council's efforts were pivotal in preserving the principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism that define Jain philosophy. By recording Mahavira's sermons and philosophical discourses, the council provided a comprehensive source for future generations of Jain followers.

Q2: Analyze the role of Sthulabahu in the First Jain Council and his contributions to Jainism.

Answer: Sthulabahu, the leader of the First Jain Council, played a pivotal role in preserving the teachings of Lord Mahavira after his death. As the presiding authority, he oversaw the gathering of Jain monks and scholars who meticulously compiled the teachings and scriptures. His leadership ensured the systematic preservation of the Jain doctrine, which was later recorded as the Agamas. Sthulabahu's contributions also included facilitating the unity of the Jain community, as he guided the monks in organizing the spiritual teachings and practices into a coherent system. His actions provided a foundation for Jainism's institutionalization, contributing to its spread across India and securing its place as a major religious tradition.

Q3: What impact did the First Jain Council have on the growth and spread of Jainism in ancient India?

Answer: The First Jain Council had a profound impact on the growth and spread of Jainism in ancient India. By preserving and organizing the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the council facilitated the establishment of Jainism as a structured and organized religion. The compilation of the Agamas provided a solid doctrinal base for Jainism, which helped in its transmission across generations. The formalization of religious practices and the unity brought about by the council allowed Jainism to flourish in various parts of India. Additionally, as Jainism became more organized, it attracted followers from different social strata, further enhancing its influence in Indian society. The teachings of non-violence, asceticism, and spiritual liberation began to resonate with a wider audience, contributing to Jainism's continued growth.

Previous Year Questions on  First Jain Council

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Which of the following is the main focus of Jainism?

A) Emphasis on devotion to deities
B) Practice of meditation for spiritual development
C) Doctrine of non-violence and asceticism
D) Worship of Buddha as the supreme deity